Stephen Wright House, Queen Anne style house in Paw Paw, Illinois.
The Stephen Wright House is a Queen Anne style residence in Paw Paw defined by its narrow wooden clapboarding, ornamental shingle patterns, and hip roof with intersecting gables. The asymmetrical design and decorative details reflect the style's characteristic emphasis on visual interest and complexity.
The residence was built between 1895 and 1906 by real estate developer Stephen Wright on a historic route that once served Native Americans and stagecoach travelers. Its location on Chicago Road marks a convergence of the region's early transportation network with private residential development.
The house reflects building traditions that emerged in American communities in the late 1800s, when homeowners used elaborate residences to display their social position. Such homes still shape the character of many rural towns across the Midwest.
The house is located on Chicago Road in Paw Paw and visible from the street, offering a good view of the architectural style of the period. Visitors can appreciate the exterior features and overall design from public vantage points.
The property gained National Register listing in 2005, receiving formal recognition for its architectural significance to the Lee County community. This designation underscores its importance as a physical record of the region's late 1800s building traditions.
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