Cobblestone architecture was developed in the northeastern United States, especially antebellum western New York State. Masons that built the Erie Canal during 1817-1825 started building cobblestone structures about the time the canal was finished. The stones used in the construction were typically of a rounded shape deposited in the area of glaciers, and cleared from the fields by early farmers or brought from the shores of Lake Ontario. Immigrants spread the style to other parts of the country, including an area of Wisconsin. Historians estimate that at least 75 per cent, and possibly more than 90 percent, of American cobblestone buildings can be found within 70-75 miles of Rochester, New York. The style was prominent between 1815 and about 1860; around 900 cobblestone buildings were constructed in New York State before the American Civil War. After the war, construction slowed; there were only two post-Civil War cobblestone structures known. About 700 homes remain in the Rochester area.
In true cobblestone architecture the whole wall consists of rows of cobblestone embedded in a lime mortar. The exterior surface may especially carefully constructed for decorative effect with cobbles matched by size and color. Some cobblestone architecture shows consisted matching in the size of the stones used, shape, and color. This method of construction has been referred to as a form of folk art. Cobblestone architecture is featured in many houses and farmhouses but also in churches, stores and town halls.
I live 25 miles east of Rochester, NY where there are many cobblestone houses. At the top is a local school that was built of cobblestone. The school was opened in 1848. It has since been turned into a private residence. All the homes I show below are private residences, except one. Most are in the New York State Landmark Society.
All the houses shown are in the town that I live. One shot is a close up of cobblestone. You can find these and more in the local area of Rochester,
22 comments:
I live in Webster, NY and the cobblestone houses are a favorite of my husbands and I. We love seeing them when we are out for a drive, such beautiful homes, thanks for sharing some info I didn't know about them!
I love cobblestone buildings. I didn't realize that they were mostly in the Rochester area. Your pictures show such beautiful homes, and the information is so interesting. Thank you for sharing this.
Doreen
Good Morning Vanssmomc,
I love the cobblestone houses too, when I am driving around. Thank you for stopping in and commenting.
Marilyn
Good Morning Doreen,
I didn't know that most of them were in the Rochester area, either until I got some information on cobblestone. I thought the information was interesting, too, and thought I should share it with others. There are a lot more houses in our area, I just picked the ones in town to put on.
Marilyn
This is very interesting, I did not know either that so many are concentrated in that area of New York. They are very beautiful photos, thank you for sharing.
Really interesting post Marilyn
I like the houses which are testement to good workmanship-and have stood the test of time
Fionalina
Good Morning Annie,
Happy you enjoyed them.
Marilyn
Good Morning Finalina,
They are solid houses. We have had tornadoes and hurricanes here - never saw any of those cobblestones come down. Even when the neighboring houses had damage, they have stood through it all. Says something for the construction.
Marilyn
It does Marilyn-they were certainly built to last -most old buildings were-
Fionalina
Hi Fionalina,
Wish they built the new houses as solid as they built the old ones.
Marilyn
So do I Marilyn-people would be a lot safer as well-especially in countries such as yours
The house where I live was built in the 1980's the oldest house I have lived in is over 200 years old and built in the Georgian era
Fionalina
Just beautiful! You mention Wisconsin, I wish I could claim to have seen beauties such as those.
Hi Vickie,
I thought all of the cobblestones were built in my area, but found out different. There were also some built in Ontario, Canada. New York and Wisconsin both had cobblestone houses which is interesting.
Marilyn
Hi Fionalina,
I grew up in a house that was over 100 years old. It is Victorian style. Everyone once in a while I still drive by it.
Marilyn
Another interesting fact is that most of them were built with tin roofs which was the thing in that era. Over the years they have been replaced with modern roofs. I couldn't find a local cobblestone house that still had one. There is one in town that I know that still has a tin roof, but it is a frame Victorian style like the house I grew up in.
Marilyn
Its nice you are still able to see your old home Marilyn
Its interesting what you say about the tin roofs - it makes sense as tin would have been plentiful quite hard wearing and probably cheaper than other materials at the time-with all the mining I have read about going on
Fionalina
The problem with the tin roofs, Finalina is they are noisy by today's standards. When the rain falls on a tin roof. I guess that's why almost all of them got replaced in this era.
Marilyn
You are probably right Marilyn-unfortunately many things change through time
Fionalina
Things do change, Fionalina, some for the better and some not so hot.
Marilyn
I loved this post. Stone houses are a favorite of mine. I'd not heard of the cobblestone style but your close up photo sure shows what a beautiful style it is. Thank you for the photos and information. Makes me want to come and see them in person.
Hello dynnamae,
Glad you like the cobblestone houses. They look a lot better when seeing them live than in pictures. You are always welcome in New York State.
Marilyn
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