Even after 150 years remains the octagon house floor plan of the architectural design of a curiosity. The original architect, John Richards, first designed the octagon house just before the Civil War. He was competing with his fellow heads of state and landowners in the city or simply trying to impress Eliza Forbes, his wife inherited. The impressive structure he left behind still draws fascinated visitors to the elegant residence, in eight Watertown, Wisconsin every day.
The original octagon house floor, built in 1854, is a fantastic five-story brick, with 57 rooms. It also contains the precursor of the modern amenities like running water, central heating and ventilation systems. A flight of 40 meters high boom also adorns the interior. The story behind the Octagon House is that Mr. Richards had a promise to his wife, Eliza, to build his house in the best made in the Midwest.
John Richards was probably from another designer, Orson Fowler, the chief spokesman for the construction of eight houses face was affected. At that time, the octagonal house as housing design efficient, economical and beautiful aesthetics, goes back to ancient Rome celebrated architects.
There were at least 36 houses in the Octagon House Plan 1844-1905 was built. All these houses were in Wisconsin. Octagonal houses will be built further from the civil war. After this time most houses were either demolished or renovated eight-sided, until they lose their original shape.
John Richards octagonal house was donated to the Historical Society of Watertown in 1938. The house was in perfect condition and well maintained with almost no electricity or modern plumbing and no telephone – it was like living with Mr. Richards and his wife in the 1850s.
Tours of the Octagon House made every day from May to October and placards are displayed in Watertown. Summer opening times from 10:00 am to clock 16.00 and 11.00 bis 15.00 clock after Labor Day. Admission is $ 7 for adults, $ 6 for AAA members, $ 6 for children ages 6 to 12 and children under 6 are free.