Grouseland

Grouseland, also known as William Henry Harrison House, is a building of historical importance in Vincennes in the U.S. state of Indiana.

History

This prestigious property was built in 1804 by the future President William Henry Harrison in the Federal-style and served him until 1812 as a residence during his tenure as governor of the Indiana Territory. Grouseland developed at this time to a political center of the territory and was the venue of several conferences with the leaders of North American Indians, such as Tecumseh and Little Turtle.

After Harrisons extract in 1812, the property remained in family ownership until 1850, but was occupied only sporadically. Later it was used as a hotel and the owners in phases as storage. After 1860, it was again used as a residence. Since 1909, Grouseland is owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the restoration of a peripheral -financed.

On October 15, 1966 Grouseland was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since 19 December 1960 there was already a National Historic Landmark.

Architecture

The 60 x 75 -foot main building has two floors and basement and attic, and contains 26 rooms. Grouseland resembles a typical Virginia plantation house and is made of limestone around. For the construction of more than 200,000 bricks were used. In Grouseland are 13 fireplaces with lush ornate cornices. Left of the entrance hall is the former Council Chamber Harrisons and to the right his living room, which served as a dining room under the later owners. On the first floor there are only bedroom.

Only a few of the exhibited furniture is from the estate of William Henry Harrison. The interior, however, is kept in the style of his time and consists of original, carefully selected items from the early 19th century. The library on the ground floor contains literature on the history of the county, including some books of great antiquarian value.