The Oldest Building In Each State

New Mexico - Taos Pueblo

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Taos Pueblo is a magnificent Native American village in New Mexico, known for its rich history and unique architectural style. With a vibrant community that has maintained its strong cultural traditions for centuries, this pueblo is an integral part of Taos culture. These multi-story buildings with thick walls made from mud and straw are truly awe-inspiring. The pueblo’s narrow alleyways, lined with traditional crafts shops, showcase stunning handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles created by talented local artisans.

New York - Wyckoff House

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The Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum is the oldest building in Brooklyn. The house was formerly known as the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House or just the Wyckoff House. It was built in 1652, but the land it was built on was bought in 1636 by Wouter van Twiller. He had to leave the house behind when he returned to Holland. The Wyckoff House & Association operates it. In 1967, the government officially recognized it as a historic site.

North Carolina – Lane House

Image Source: Edenton Historical Commission

The Lane House was built in Edenton, North Carolina, in 1718. It is the oldest house in North Carolina, confirmed by dendrochronology. Dendrochronology is a scientific process of determining the age of woods from trees and shrubs. The Lane family currently owns it, that is, Steve and Linda Lane. In 1973, the United States recognized it as a historic site.

Massachusetts - Fairbanks House, Dedham

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Fairbanks House, in Dedham, is considered the oldest structure in Massachusetts. The Fairbanks House, built in 1637, is the oldest timber house on the continent. Puritan settler Jonathan Fairbanks built the house for his wife, Grace Fairbanks, and her family. The house was occupied by eight generations and handed down to them. The house was altered and expanded to suit the family’s needs. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is still owned and operated by the Fairbanks Family.

Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site

Image Source: North Dakota Tourism

The Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site is located in Walhalla, North Dakota. It is named after Antoine Blanc Gingras. In the 1840s, Gingras built a two-story trading post in the area, which was on his plot of land. He was famous for owning trading posts in the territory and serving in the legislature, which are a few reasons for the site’s fame. The site was registered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Ohio-Rufus Putnam House

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The Rufus Putnam House, also known as Campus Martius, is located in Marietta, Ohio. General Rufus Putnam built it, and it is a historic building in Ohio since it has existed since 1790. It is also regarded as the most outstanding architectural combination of the New England tradition of Ohio. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Alabama-Joel Eddins House

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The Joel Eddins House is a log house built in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1810. It is the oldest building in Alabama and was built by Joel Eddins. The style of the house is hall-and-parlor, which is not associated with the state of Alabama. The house was later moved to Burritt in 2007. It became a part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Alaska-Russian-American Magazin

Image Source: National Park Service

It is the oldest of the only four Russian constructions existing and currently surviving in the U.S. It is located in Kodiak, Alaska, and was constructed between 1804 and 1808. It was a joint venture between the Russian-American Co. and the Alaska Commercial Company. The structure perceived heavy damage due to the earthquake and tsunami in 1964, after which it was purchased by the City of Kodiak in 1972, who turned it into the Kodiak History Museum.

Arizona-Mission San Xavier del Bac

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It is located in Tucson, Arizona, and was founded by Father Eusebio Francisco in 1692. The mission was constructed between 1783 and 1797 and is one of the oldest European architectures in the state. It is a historic Spanish Catholic church and is currently operated by the Parish. It was included in the Register of Historic Places and Landmark in 1966 and 1960, respectively.

Arkansas-Ten Mile House

Image Source: SAH Archipedia

The Ten Mile House is located in Mabelvale, Little Rock, Arkansas. It was built between 1822 and 1835 along with Old Southwest Trail. The architecture is designed by Gideon Shryock, who is also well credited for designing the state house of Arkansas territory. It is a structure with a gable roof and ridge. In 1970, it was recognized as a National Historic Site.

California-Los Angeles Plaza

Image Source: California Historical Landmarks

The building is, also called Plaza de Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, California. It served as the geographical center where the Spanish governor Felipe de Neve wanted to establish his town. It was founded in 1781 and was changed periodically due to natural events such as the floods in 1815. It is also included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Colorado-Doyle Settlement Schoolhouse

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The Doyle Settlement Schoolhouse is a ranch and settlement land that is located in Pueblo County, Colorado. Its owner Joseph Doyle established the Doyle Settlement in 1859 along the Huerfano River. When Doyle passed away in 1864, he left the property to his wife. To date, the only building standing is the schoolhouse. In 1980, it was registered as a Historic Place.

Connecticut - The Henry Whitfield House

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It was built in 1639. It is the oldest house not only in Connecticut but also in New England. The house was used as a community fort after its completion due to its high walls. Henry Whitfield, a minister, ended up in Connecticut after running away from England to escape religious discrimination. This home underwent renovation in 1868 and became Connecticut’s first museum in 1899.

Delaware - Ryves Holt House

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It was built in 1665. The house is located in Lewes, Delaware. It operated as an inn. The person in charge at that time was Philip Russell who was referred to as a “Cupbearer of William Penn.” In 1721, Ryves Holt, Chief Justice of Sussex County, purchased the house after settling in Port Lewes. The ownership of the building moved to Lewes Historical Society who also ran the building. In 2014, it was included in the First State National Historical Park.

Texas - The Alamo

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Unlike the oldest buildings that have faded away in other states, Alamo is one of America’s most famous landmarks. It is located in San Antonio. Roman Catholics founded it. It was the home of the Battle of Alamo in 1836. This battle was part of the Texas Revolution, where the Texans fought the central government of Mexico. In 2015, it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Utah - Isaac Chase Mill

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The Isaac Chase Mill was built in 1847 and was completed in 1852. It still exists today. Theone who built the mill is Isaac Chase, a miller from New York, his home place. In 1854, Brigham Young joined Isaac in the milling business. In 1859, Isaac gave Brigham his business share in exchange for a cabin. During the famine in 1856, the mill was instrumental in aiding families to survive starvation. In 1881, the property was passed down to Salt Lake City through a sale.

Idaho - Mission of the Sacred Heart

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It was built in 1850. It is a National Historic Landmark and part of Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park. The church, parish house, and surrounding land are all part of the park. Initially, it was located along a river, thus making it susceptible to floods. Therefore, in 1846, a decision was made to relocate it. An Italian missionary, Jesuit Antonio Ravalli, took over the construction of the new building. He contracted Indians to build.

Illinois - Old Cahokia Courthouse

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It was built in 1740. It was initially a French-Canadian building but was remodeled from the old version. The old version of Cahokia was built by Jean le Poincet. It was a family house with four rooms. Later on, it was owned by Jean Francois Saucier. In 1985, it was listed in the Historic preservation agency in Illinois. Also, it’s a multi-purpose building that serves as a house and court.

Indiana –Grouseland

Image Source: Visit Indiana

It was built in 1804. The first Governor of Indiana, William Henry Harrison, was in charge of the construction. The architect who designed the building was William Lindsay. He lived there for his whole term with his wife and children. Benjamin Parke, a judge, moved into the house after Harrison in 1812. In 1821 the house was returned to Harrison's son-in-law John Cleves Symmes Harrison. The home was kept in the Harrison generation up to 1850. It was then used as a library, hotel, and residence. Now it is a museum.

Kansas - The Rookery

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It was built in 1832. The building was used initially as a commander's residence and then as an office for the first territorial Governor, Andrew Reeder. Douglas MacArthur lived in the house with his widowed mom when he served as an Army lieutenant and school instructor. Also, there are stories that the house is ghost-haunted. For instance, it is believed to have the spirit of an old violent woman with claws.

Kentucky - William Whitley House State Historic Site

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It is a park located in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. It was the first stone house built in the state; no logs were used. It was the home of William Whitley and his wife, Esther Whitley. It was built between 1787-1794 as a fortress to protect against Indian attack. Lincoln County Fiscal Court took over management of the site in 2019 with the help of local historians.

Louisiana- Parlange Plantation house

Image Source: Visit Baton Rouge

It was built in 1750 and showcased an excellent example of a large French colonial plantation house. It follows the typical style of the Louisiana River country homes. It is a two-story raised cottage with the main floor on a brick basement. Brick pillars enhance the brick basement for the second-story veranda. The slaves on the plantations then made the bricks for the current raised basement.

Maine- McIntire Garrison House

Image Source: The Family Connection

It is on the south side of Cider Hill Road in a rural part called Maine. It also has a pleasant view of the York River. It is a two-story log building covered in wooden clapboards. It also has a side-gable roof and a chimney in the middle. The building's second floor extends beyond the first floor on every side. Additionally, one side has a trapdoor used to see below.

Maryland-Old Trinity Church

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It is a historic church located in Church Creek, Maryland. It was constructed around 1675 with red brick. The Episcopal Church is one of the oldest buildings still in use in the United States and the original thirteen states. The church went through a restoration phase in the 1950s and still conducts regular Sunday worship services. It also maintains an active burial ground.

Florida - Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

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It is a wooden structure located in St. Augustine, Florida. It is unknown when the building was built, but its first appearance on tax records dates back to 1716. St. Augustine has no wooden structures that date back to 1702 when the British destroyed the city. The oldest schoolhouse in the United States, built before 1696, is Voorlezer’s House, located in Historic on Staten Island in New York.

Michigan - McGulpin House

Image Source: SAH Archipedia

It is a historic house museum in an old building built before 1780. It's located on the corner of Fort Street & Market Street in Mackinac Island. The park is owned by, operated by, and open to the public in the summer months. It was built in the French Canadian style. Its origins remain unknown. The house has only sometimes been in its current location. The sources of this building need to be clarified. It could have been built as a house for the priest at St. Anne's church or for island residents. The structural timbers of the home were hand-sawn using a Pit Saw.

West Virginia - Graham House

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The Graham House, a historic log house located in Lowell, West Virginia, on West Virginia Route 3, is an old log cabin. It was constructed in 1770 for Col. James Graham and his family, who were the first settlers of Lowell. In 1777, it was the scene of an Indian assault on the Graham family. The home was listed as a Historic Place in 1976. The Graham House is West Virginia's oldest multi-storey cabin. This house is presently a museum.

Vermont - Mooar-Wright House

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It is believed that it was built about 1750. However, its exact origins remain unknown. Some say the Dutch made it, while others claim it was John Defoe, a British loyalist. Dendrochronology has yet to be used to verify the construction date. Locals and experts believe that the house is about 250 years old. Recently, the home was renovated to preserve its original beauty.

Virginia - Jamestown Church

Image Source: Great American Treasures

It was built in the 17th Century in Jamestown, Virginia. It is one of the oldest buildings in the thirteen original colonies. It is owned by Preservation Virginia. The original church tower was reused in the current version of the church, even though it has been rebuilt many times. The location is still being used as an Anglican Church. The church has paintings of 17th century figures such as John Smith, Pocahontas, and John Rolfe, who attended the church.

Washington - Old Stone House

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Washington has many historic buildings, but this house is one of the oldest structures in the U.S. The capital was constructed in 1765. Washington's oldest colonial-era building still stands on its original foundation. In 1960, the National Park Service made the house available. The Old Stone House showcases Washington's significance as a historical and cultural monument by giving visitors a window into the city's past.