Colonial Houses of the 18th Century

A door framed by pilasters and topped with a pediment is common among Colonial homes.Arthur Tilley/Creatas/Getty Images

Conceived and constructed in the same century that the United States became an independent nation, the Colonial style is the earliest architectural style in the country. All along the East Coast and in the territory of the original 13 colonies, homes constructed during the 1700s have been preserved for their historical and architectural significance. While many remain private residences, others have been converted into public museums.

Noah Webster House

The birthplace and childhood home of the man who compiled America's first dictionary, the Noah Webster House is a picture of preserved 18th century New England Colonial Architecture. In Hartford, Connecticut, the two-story, four-room home was constructed in 1750 in a typical Saltbox style with a center chimney. While visiting the home, visitors can see exhibits and demonstrations centered around home life in the 1700s, with particular emphasis on Webster's childhood during the Revolutionary War. The museum also hosts events that give guests the opportunity to experience old-fashioned education in a one-room school house, cook over an open flame on the kitchen hearth and try 18th century chores.

Known as the "world's largest living history museum" the 18th century city of Williamsburg was once the largest in the New World. In Virginia, the 300-acre museum contains hundreds of restored or reconstructed buildings built in the 1700s. The 10 historic Colonial homes on the grounds range in style and materials from Georgian style of brick to timber-framed homes constructed of hand-split boards. The interiors of Williamsburg's Colonial homes have hand-carved, grand staircases, original wallpapers and authentic furnishings. Costume-clad docents offer tours and re-enactments of home life and historical events that occurred within the houses.

This structure, completed in 1776, was the second house built on the Connecticut homestead by Nathan's father, Richard Hale. Nathan Hale was captured and hanged by the British in 1776 as an American spy when he was only 21, after uttering his famous last words, "I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Although it's uncertain whether Nathan had the opportunity to set foot in his father's new home before his death, his family's Colonial home is filled with Hale-family artifacts from Nathan's childhood. An example of the Georgian style prominent during the period, the home has been restored to its original state and is recognized as one of Connecticut's Landmarks.