Salmon P. Chase Birthplace and Childhood Home | |
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| Location | Cornish, New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°27′18.02″N72°23′13.78″W / 43.4550056°N 72.3871611°W /43.4550056; -72.3871611 |
| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | 1808 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000133 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1975[1] |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975[2] |
Salmon P. Chase Birthplace was the birthplace and childhood home ofSalmon P. Chase. It is located about 8 miles (13 km) north ofClaremont onNew Hampshire Route 12A. The2+1⁄2-story wood-frame house was built c. 1790, and is a multi-section structure in an L shape. The main block is five bays wide and two deep, with a centered entry that has Greek Revival pilasters on the central entry and on the corners. This block faces west, and two narrower sections extend east from the rear. The first of these sections is also2+1⁄2 stories, with two chimneys. The easternmost section is1+1⁄2 stories, and was originally connected to a barn. The house is believed to be well-preserved, but there is no documentary evidence of its appearance in the early 19th century, and it is known to have been moved across the street from its original site in about 1848.[3]
The house's significance arises because it is the only known building associated directly with the life ofSalmon P. Chase (1808–1873). Chase was born in this house, and lived here until he was eight, when he was sent to live with relatives inOhio after his father died. Chase had a long and distinguished legal and political career, serving asGovernor of Ohio and contending withAbraham Lincoln for the 1860 nomination as theRepublican Party candidate for president. Lincoln appointed Chase to beTreasury Secretary, a post he held during theAmerican Civil War, and from which he strongly advocated abolitionist positions as aRadical Republican. Lincoln appointed ChaseChief Justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1864, a post he held until his death.[3]
The house was declared aNational Historic Landmark, and listed on theNational Register of Historic Places, in 1975.[2][3] The home is currently operated as abed and breakfast – the Chase House Inn.[citation needed]
{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help) (Note only 1 page of multipage document was scanned and available on-line.) andAccompanying 3 photos, exterior, from 1974. (995 KB)