Perkins-Clark House, Hartford
The Perkins鈥揅lark House, located on Woodland Street in Hartford, is a distinguished example of Gothic Revival residential architecture. Built in 1861, it stands as the last remaining house on what was once a fashionable stretch of Woodland Street. Designed by the architectural firm of Octavius and Augustus Jordan, the house reflects design principles promoted by landscape and architecture visionaries Calvert Vaux and Andrew Jackson Downing, who championed the Gothic villa style.
Commissioned by Charles Perkins, a prominent lawyer and literary figure, the home is closely linked to American cultural history. Perkins was not only the legal representative of Samuel Clemens鈥攂etter known as Mark Twain鈥攂ut also a member of the influential Beecher family. His mother, Mary Beecher Perkins, was a sister of famed abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe and suffragist Isabella Beecher Hooker. The Jordan brothers also designed homes in Hartford鈥檚 Nook Farm for these notable women, though most have since been lost to time.
The Perkins鈥揅lark House is a 2陆-story stuccoed structure set on a generous parcel overlooking the Park River. It features steeply pitched gables with ornate bargeboard trim and distinctive brick chimneys with corbelled tops. In 1924, the property was purchased by Probate Judge Walter Clark, who made several additions while carefully preserving the home鈥檚 stylistic integrity. Today, the house serves as professional office space, currently occupied by an architectural firm.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and included within the Nook Farm and Woodland Street Historic District, the Perkins鈥揅lark House is both a physical and historical landmark鈥攐ffering a glimpse into the artistic, intellectual, and architectural legacies of 19th-century Hartford.
Commissioned by Charles Perkins, a prominent lawyer and literary figure, the home is closely linked to American cultural history. Perkins was not only the legal representative of Samuel Clemens鈥攂etter known as Mark Twain鈥攂ut also a member of the influential Beecher family. His mother, Mary Beecher Perkins, was a sister of famed abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe and suffragist Isabella Beecher Hooker. The Jordan brothers also designed homes in Hartford鈥檚 Nook Farm for these notable women, though most have since been lost to time.
The Perkins鈥揅lark House is a 2陆-story stuccoed structure set on a generous parcel overlooking the Park River. It features steeply pitched gables with ornate bargeboard trim and distinctive brick chimneys with corbelled tops. In 1924, the property was purchased by Probate Judge Walter Clark, who made several additions while carefully preserving the home鈥檚 stylistic integrity. Today, the house serves as professional office space, currently occupied by an architectural firm.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and included within the Nook Farm and Woodland Street Historic District, the Perkins鈥揅lark House is both a physical and historical landmark鈥攐ffering a glimpse into the artistic, intellectual, and architectural legacies of 19th-century Hartford.
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Perkins-Clark House on Map
Sight Name: Perkins-Clark House
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hartford, Connecticut
Create Your Own Walk in Hartford
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hartford is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hartford's Historical Houses Tour
Visiting old houses is like treasure hunting, where you are bound to uncover secrets of the former owners. Hartford was once home to well-known historic figures, whose abodes today have been converted into museums for future generations to explore.
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Hartford Introduction Walking Tour
Hartford, Connecticut is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1635, this capital city of Connecticut has a long and storied history. The city offers a multitude of museums, a booming art scene, interesting architecture and excellence in cuisine.
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Hartford, Connecticut abounds in one-of-a-kind, artistically unique structures 鈥� homes, museums, libraries, and government halls 鈥� each with a distinctive look, appeal, and history of their own. Some of them are celebrated works by well-known architects, and display a variety of styles.
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles