Ruggles House

Ruggles House is a two-story residential home built between 1818 and 1820 that operates today as a museum house. The rooms display detailed woodwork, hand-carved fireplace mantels, and original family furnishings from the early Federal period.

Thomas Ruggles, a shipbuilder and judge from Massachusetts, had the house built in the early 1820s. Later restoration efforts were led by Mary Ruggles Chandler, a pioneer in pharmacy, who sought to preserve the home's heritage.

The house carries the Ruggles family name, who shaped the local community over generations. Today visitors can see how the family arranged their living spaces and which objects held meaning in their everyday life.

Access is through guided tours where visitors can explore the rooms and their historical furnishings. The building is easy to walk through and provides a good sense of the architecture and period life.

A freestanding staircase in the central hall is a rarity and demonstrates the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. This architectural feature was built without visible supports and continues to impress visitors.

Location: Columbia Falls

GPS coordinates: 44.65231,-67.72981

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43