Butler, Wright, House
a.k.a. Two-Hundred Five Columbia St.
205 Columbia St., Cumberland, MDTwo-hundred-five Columbia Street was the home of Wright Butler (1868-1932), one of Cumberland's leading architects at the turn of the century.
Butler's work is of major importance to the architectural heritage of his native Cumberland. A son of one of the city's foremost manufacturers of furniture, Butler studied architecture at the Maryland Institute of Baltimore for about three years before opening an office in 1891 in Cumberland. (History of Allegany County, Vol. II, p. 767.) His first major commission was the Allegany County Courthouse (1893-1894) which stands on Prospect Square in the Washington Street Historic District. The Courthouse is a massive brick and stone structure that dominates the city's skyline. Other important works of his that still stand are the Neo-classical facade of Masonic Temple (1911) on Green Street near the Courthouse and the present Liberty Bank Building (early 1900's) of the southwest corner of Baltimore and Centre Streets in the central business district. The Liberty Bank Building, erected originally for the Third National Bank, is six stories high and is one of the first "skyscraper" form structures in Cumberland that was made possible by the introduction of the elevator.
Butler's residence indicates his familiarity with current architectural styles. The unassuming appearance of his own residence contrasts markedly with his dramatic courthouse on Prospect Square. It is probably that Butler's own house represents a more accurate statement of his position in Cumberland (local architect and son of a prosperous furniture maker) than the braggadocio of his first known work, the courthouse.
Two-hundred-five Columbia Street is an example of Queen Anne style suburban domestic architecture. It was erected in the late 1890s and is one of four houses along Columbia Street that are believed to be Butler's work. Butler leased the property from his parents in 1896 and gained the full title in 1907.
Local significance of the building:
Butler's work is of major importance to the architectural heritage of his native Cumberland. A son of one of the city's foremost manufacturers of furniture, Butler studied architecture at the Maryland Institute of Baltimore for about three years before opening an office in 1891 in Cumberland. (History of Allegany County, Vol. II, p. 767.) His first major commission was the Allegany County Courthouse (1893-1894) which stands on Prospect Square in the Washington Street Historic District. The Courthouse is a massive brick and stone structure that dominates the city's skyline. Other important works of his that still stand are the Neo-classical facade of Masonic Temple (1911) on Green Street near the Courthouse and the present Liberty Bank Building (early 1900's) of the southwest corner of Baltimore and Centre Streets in the central business district. The Liberty Bank Building, erected originally for the Third National Bank, is six stories high and is one of the first "skyscraper" form structures in Cumberland that was made possible by the introduction of the elevator.
Butler's residence indicates his familiarity with current architectural styles. The unassuming appearance of his own residence contrasts markedly with his dramatic courthouse on Prospect Square. It is probably that Butler's own house represents a more accurate statement of his position in Cumberland (local architect and son of a prosperous furniture maker) than the braggadocio of his first known work, the courthouse.
Two-hundred-five Columbia Street is an example of Queen Anne style suburban domestic architecture. It was erected in the late 1890s and is one of four houses along Columbia Street that are believed to be Butler's work. Butler leased the property from his parents in 1896 and gained the full title in 1907.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Allegany County
Allegany County Timeline
Allegany County, located in western Maryland, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Seneca, before the arrival of European settlers. In the 18th century, the French and British fought for control of the area, with the British ultimately establishing dominance and building Fort Cumberland in present-day Cumberland.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
Allegany County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Allegany County, Maryland.
- 1789 - Allegany County was established by the General Assembly of Maryland.
- 1791 - The county seat was established in Cumberland.
- 1801 - The National Road, a major highway, was authorized to be constructed through Allegany County.
- 1811 - The first courthouse in Cumberland was completed.
- 1824 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began construction in Cumberland, becoming an important transportation route.
- 1851 - The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Cumberland, further enhancing transportation in the county.
- 1862 - Allegany County played a significant role in the American Civil War as a transportation hub and defense location.
- 1920s - The county experienced economic growth due to coal mining and the manufacturing industry.
- 1950s - The construction of Interstate 68 provided better transportation access to Allegany County.
- Today - Allegany County continues to be a picturesque area with a mix of rural and urban landscapes, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical sites.