History in Your Backyard

Posted by Cindy on November 23, 2009

Our farm has a rich 1800′s history.  And considering the arrowheads we find occasionally, probably a lot of prior history as well.

I’ve told you before about how we find 19th and 20th century garbage as we plow the garden every year.  Near the garden spot once stood a large red brick home with a rock foundation, several fireplaces, a stately staircase and amazing trim work.  The bricks were handmade from the clay on the farm  – maybe by slaves, maybe by paid help?  There was a basement with two small rooms with one window in each room, rock walls and a small fireplace for heat.  These were undoubtedly quarters for some sort of house help.

Sadly, by the time we moved onto the farm, the once majestic show house was in far too desperate shape to save. This picture is actually the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington.  Although the house on our farm was not this majestic, it at least gives you an idea of the style since we never took a good picture of it before it’s demise.  Shame on us!

As we tore down the house, we saved as many things as possible.  The stone foundation became our fireplace and the poplar floor joists became our flooring.  Many of the other materials like doors, fireplace mantles, windows and even the bricks have been sold to people who are reusing them in loving projects.  We’ve saved some of those architectural pieces for ourselves (if we ever get around to doing interesting projects again.)

After reading a little of the history, I know you’ll find it just as exciting as me that there are remnants of a rock wall on the back of the farm.  History claims that the rock walls in this area were built by migrant Irish workers who came to America because of the Irish Potato Famine.  I’m just in awe every time I go back to see this wall that was built by such strong and courageous people so many years ago.  Even if the rock wall has mostly been washed away and I’m only able to treasure about 20 feet of it!

Two other interesting historical finds on our farm and a neighboring farm…

A rock root cellar – the entrance is nearly caved-in.

A horse-drawn farm wagon that sadly sits below the ruble of a fallen barn.

I love learning the history of our farm, town, county and state.  Just a little research will lead you to so many wonderful field trips, classes and other opportunities to learn about the history in your backyard!