Blackhawk Putnam Tavern, Historic tavern in Houlton, Maine, United States.
Blackhawk Putnam Tavern is a three-and-a-half-story wooden building on North Street that blends Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles. The main facade features five symmetrically spaced bays, with the structure fully developed on two stories beneath a side-gable roof that provides additional space.
Samuel Wormwood built this structure in 1813 for Aaron Putnam, making it the oldest standing building in the area at that time. The building played a role in early community development before administrative changes reshaped the region's institutions over the following decades.
The tavern's name reflects connections to the region's past, and the building continues to serve as a landmark where locals and visitors recognize a piece of their town's social history.
The building is easy to locate on North Street and remains visible from outside, even though it now serves multiple purposes. Keep in mind that this is an occupied and active building, so access is limited to viewing from the street or during specific community occasions.
The building transitioned through several different uses, serving as a tavern, courthouse, and restaurant before becoming what it is today. This evolution shows how structures in early communities adapted their purposes to meet changing local needs over time.
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