Oldest Buildings in the United States

19th July, 2024

10

1. Fort Leavenworth

Located in Kansas, Fort Leavenworth is one of the oldest active military installations in the United States, established in 1827. Originally built to protect settlers travelling on the Santa Fe Trail, this fort has played a significant role in American military history, particularly during the westward expansion.

2. Locust Grove

Locust Grove, situated in Louisville, Kentucky, is a historic farm site that dates back to the late 18th century. This beautifully preserved estate, which once belonged to the pioneering Clark family, offers a window into early American life and the nation’s frontier spirit.

3. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Founded in 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano in California is one of the oldest Spanish missions in the state. Known for the annual return of the swallows, this mission showcases Spanish colonial architecture and serves as a symbol of California’s early history.

4. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, located on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, is believed to have been built in the early 18th century. This historic bar is reputed to have been a base for the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, adding an air of mystery and adventure to its already storied past.

5. The Old Stone House

The Old Stone House in Washington, D.C., built in 1765, is the oldest unchanged building in the capital. This quaint house, now a museum, provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into pre-Revolutionary War life in the bustling Georgetown area.

6. Horton House

Horton House on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is a colonial-era structure built in 1743. This tabby house, made from oyster shells and lime, offers a unique look into the materials and techniques used by early settlers in the southeastern United States.

7. Fort de Chartres

Fort de Chartres, located in Illinois, was originally constructed in the early 18th century by the French. This fort is notable for its stone powder magazine, the oldest surviving building in Illinois, reflecting the strategic military importance of the region during colonial times.

8. Henry Whitfield House

The Henry Whitfield House in Guilford, Connecticut, dating back to 1639, is the oldest stone house in New England. As a former fort and family home, this structure provides valuable insights into the defensive and domestic architecture of early colonial America.

9. Jacob Wolf House

Built in 1829, the Jacob Wolf House in Arkansas served as a territorial courthouse. This two-story log structure is a rare example of frontier justice and governance, preserving the history of Arkansas’ early legal system.

10. Ryves Holt House

The Ryves Holt House in Lewes, Delaware, claims to be the oldest house in the state, dating back to 1665. This house has witnessed centuries of change, from colonial times through the American Revolution, and remains a cherished historic site.