The identification of the oldest building in each of the 50 U.S. states is a challenging task, complicated by the need to define what constitutes a building and the varying degrees of authenticity. Additionally, the scarcity of written records and advancements in dating technology further contribute to the complexity of determining the oldest structures.
This list features a diverse array of buildings, ranging from adobe dwellings and stone forts to log cabins, timber-framed homes, and historic missions. While opinions on the oldest building may differ, here is a compilation of the oldest structures in each U.S. state:
Alabama: Joel Eddins House (1810)
The Joel Eddins House, originally located in Ardmore, was built in 1810. In 2007, it found a new home at the Burritt on the Mountain living museum in Huntsville, painstakingly disassembled and reassembled using the original timbers.
Alaska: Kodiak History Museum (1810)
Constructed around 1810 during Alaska’s time as a Russian territory, the Kodiak History Museum, formerly known as the Baranov Museum, served various purposes, including a warehouse and private home. Since 1967, it has been the museum of the Kodiak Historical Society.
Arizona: Mission San Xavier del Bac (1783-1797)
Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson is Arizona’s oldest building. Its construction began in 1783 and was completed 14 years later. The church we see today replaced an earlier structure, and it became part of the United States in 1854.
Arkansas: Hinderliter Grog Shop (1826-1827)
Located in the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, the Hinderliter Grog Shop claims the title of Arkansas’s oldest building, constructed from 1826-1827. It served as a tavern and hosted the last meeting of the territorial legislature in 1835.
California: Mission San Juan Capistrano (1776-1783)
Founded in 1776, the Serra Chapel at Mission San Juan Capistrano is California’s oldest surviving building. The chapel was constructed by indigenous Acjachemen under the supervision of Father Junipero Serra.
Colorado: Four Mile House (1859)
Dating back to 1859, Four Mile House in Denver was originally built by Jonas and Samuel Brantner as a two-story home. It later served as an inn run by Mary Cawker, catering to travelers on the Cherokee Trail.
Connecticut: Henry Whitfield House (1639)
Built in 1639, the Henry Whitfield House in Guilford predates the town itself. It is not only Connecticut’s oldest building but also the oldest stone house in the region, commissioned by English puritan Henry Whitfield.
Florida: Saint Bernard de Clairvaux Church (1133)
Saint Bernard de Clairvaux Church, originally constructed in Sacramenia, Spain, in 1133, is considered Florida’s oldest building. It was later moved to North Miami Beach in the 20th century by William Randolph Hearst.
Georgia: Herb House (1734)
Constructed in 1734, the Herb House in Savannah, now part of Pirate’s House Restaurant, originally housed the gardener experimenting with mulberry tree cultivation. It later became a tavern.
Hawaii: Hale La’au (1820)
Hale La’au, the oldest surviving building in Hawaii, had a unique journey. Its timbers, originally white pine from Maine, were assembled in 1820 as a mission house and later transformed into a museum.
Idaho: Old Cataldo Mission (1850)
Built in the 1850s by Italian Jesuit Antonio Ravalli, the Old Cataldo Mission is Idaho’s oldest building. The beautiful wattle and daub church, constructed without nails, stands as a testament to the state’s history.
Illinois: Fort de Chartres Powder Magazine (1750s)
Fort de Chartres in Illinois, dating back to the 1750s, includes the intact powder magazine building. While much of the fort is reconstructed, the powder magazine has a strong claim to being the state’s oldest.
Indiana: Grouseland (1802-1804)
Located in Vincennes, Grouseland is Indiana’s oldest building, with construction starting in 1802 and completing in 1804. It was built for William Henry Harrison, the first governor of the Indiana Territory.
FAQs about the oldest house in america
- How were the oldest buildings in each state determined?
Determining the oldest buildings involves evaluating historical records, architectural authenticity, and advancements in dating technology. The criteria vary, encompassing a range of structures that showcase the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage.
- Are all the listed buildings still standing in their original locations?
While some buildings remain in their original locations, others have been relocated or reconstructed for preservation. Disassembly and reassembly techniques are employed to retain authenticity, allowing these structures to withstand the test of time.
- What challenges arise in identifying the oldest buildings?
Challenges include defining what qualifies as a building, the availability of written records, and the impact of technological advancements on dating methods. Opinions may differ, and some buildings may have undergone modifications or reconstructions, adding complexity to the identification process.
- Why are some buildings considered replicas or reconstructed?
Factors such as natural disasters, deterioration, or the need for preservation may lead to the reconstruction of historic buildings. While efforts are made to maintain authenticity, structures like Fort de Chartres in Illinois may have reconstructed elements to ensure their long-term preservation.
- How can I visit these historic buildings?
Many historic buildings are open to the public as museums or historical sites. Some may require admission fees, while others offer guided tours. Information on visiting hours and special events can be obtained from local historical societies, museums, or state parks.
- Are there ongoing efforts to preserve these buildings?
Yes, preservation efforts are continuous, involving collaboration between organizations, historical societies, and government agencies. The goal is to ensure the integrity and accessibility of these historic structures for the benefit of future generations.
- Are there undiscovered or lesser-known historic buildings in the U.S.?
The vast expanse of the U.S. holds many lesser-known historic gems. Local historical societies, archives, and preservation initiatives actively seek to uncover and highlight these hidden treasures, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the nation’s diverse history.
