One can tell a lot about the economic history of a community by looking at the houses. If one style predominates, that reveals when the fortunes of the town were at their peak. Architecture styles change over time, showing the preferences of the people based on convenience, availability of materials, and outside influences. Bennington is no different, as 10 distinct styles were employed from late 1700s to the 1950s: the Cape; the Colonial; the Federal; the Gable-Front; Gothic Revival; Italianate; attached barn; Second Empire; Queen Anne; and the Ranch.

In the mid-1800s, a new building style emerged. Architect Alexander Jackson Davis had written books about house construction from 1830-1850. Whereas previous buildings had been inspired by Greek or Roman sources, Davis suggested something of a medieval style. The pointed windows and steep roofs of the Gothic Revival were popular for a while, before they were supplanted by the next cultural fashion. Some say that the Gable-Front House is influenced by the Gothic Revival, with its pointed gable facing the street, but that might be a coincidence. Another name for this style is Victorian Gothic. The house in the background of Grant Wood’s famous painting “American Gothic” is built in the Gothic style.

In truth, there is no real example of a Gothic Revival house in Bennington. But there is one dwelling that shows how styles evolve, even within the same structure. Where Mill Street/Antrim Road meets Main Street, next to the Historical Society, there is a brick house. It was built as a Cape in the early decades of the 1800s, facing South, at right angles to the road. The front door has Federal side-lights, maybe original, maybe added later, reflecting yet another style.

Mid-century, a door was added on the street-facing wall, turning the house into a Gable-Front. Above the door on the gable side is a window — but not just any window. The pointed arch of the window [typical of Medieval church architecture] shows that it was designed with Gothic Revival in mind.

Over 50 years, the owners of the house responded to changing fashion four times! “Keeping up with the Jones”, and keeping up with the times!

Promo: The next installment of the Bennington NH Historical Society Blog will be posted on January 19, 2026. If you click the Subscribe button, all future posts will be sent straight to your inbox every month – for free.