Stone Houses

Old Pennsylvania stone house

When colonists first came to America, they used native materials to build their homes. After the initial wave of settlers, they began to built larger homes that could be used for generations. In Pennsylvania this could mean rock structures. German immigrants especially turned to the fieldstone, because it was readily available, they often needed to remove it from the fields to till the land, and they were familiar with building using stone in Germany. These houses were also sturdy and durable with walls often about nine-inches thick.

Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge

There are many examples spread across the state. The Daniel Boone Homestead is built of stone, as are many other older homes that dot the landscape. The rock Henry Antes Home in Pottstown was built in 1736. General Washington used a stone house for his headquarters at Valley Forge, and there's also one at Brandywine. These are still standing as museums, and other examples are in use by organizations, lived in by homeowners, or go up for sale in the real estate market.

Brandywine

Henry Antes House, Pottstown

Hezekiah Alexander House, Charlotte, NC

However, this type of building is not just confined to Pennsylvania. Early examples spread throughout the former colonies and later ones rest across the county. For instance, North Carolina has its own such buildings. The Hezekiah Alexander House in Charlotte is a good example. (See my blog for Oct. 19, 2015.) He was one of the many who moved south into the state from Pennsylvania. The large, rock home he built for his family on Sugar Creek was a mansion in its day. Do you know of a stone house near you?

On a personal note, this is why I chose a stone farmhouse for Stanton Klein in my historical novel set in colonial Pennsylvania. Since I enjoy history so much, writing When Winter Is Past was a labor of love. All my profits from it go to a scholarship fund, and, if you're interested, the kindle version is on sale this week on Amazon for only ninety-nine cents.

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