Bacon-Merchant-Moss House

The Bacon-Merchant-Moss House is a three-bay stone residence in Lockport featuring coursed ashlar walls and Federal-style architectural details. A decorative cornice and gable returns define the roofline, characteristic of early 1800s residential design.

Built in 1832, the house passed through several owners whose names became part of its identity over the centuries. Its transformation into a Red Cross headquarters during World War I reflects how it served changing community needs.

The name reflects its succession of owners who shaped the house over generations. Today the building stands as a reminder of the different communities that worked within its walls to serve local residents.

The building stands on Cottage Street and is easily recognizable by its stone construction among Lockport's historic buildings. Visitors can view the exterior features while the interior remains active as a community facility operated by the YWCA.

Hidden within the stone walls is a narrow attic crawlspace that once served as a hiding place for people fleeing through the Underground Railroad. This concealed chamber represents a lesser-known chapter of the building's role in local resistance and aid.

Location: New York

Architectural style: Federal architecture

GPS coordinates: 43.16806,-78.69444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12