You’d think maybe the oldest house in America would be in Jamestown, the first permanent puritan settlement in Virginia. You’d be wrong.
The De Vargas Street House, 215 East De Vargas Street, Santa Fe, NM, claims to be the oldest house in the U.S. The house’s claim to fame rests on the fact that its foundation is partially on an ancient pueblo foundation from the 13th century, though there is evidence that parts of the building itself, like its wood beams, can be traced to the mid-1700s.
If you head to the DeVargas Street House, you’ll stand in a bit of history, get to see a gift stop, and a small museum. If you walk out the door and explore the rest of the neighborhood, you’ll find yourself in the Barrio de Analco Historic District of Santa Fe. The whole area is a National Historic Landmark District. You’ll definitely wanna see the Chapel of San Miguel, a Spanish colonial mission built in about 1620.
Hell yeah, free history walking tour – but, be aware, there are claims that this is not, indeed, the oldest house in America. People say that, yes, the foundation is old, but the structure itself is not. Other houses in America try to lay claim on the title of “oldest house.” For example, the Fairbanks House in Dedham, MA is the oldest timber frame house in America, built in 1641. Another abode, the Henry Whitfield House, is the oldest stone home in Connecticut, built in 1639.
Regardless, the De Vargas House is an interesting step into history in a walk-worthy, historic district.
Find out more about the district and its sights at http://bit.ly/2wijipw.
