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1830 Owen House

Life in New Harmony after the Owen-Maclure experiment ended.

1830 Owen House

531 Tavern Street

Built: 1830
Original Use: Rental property owned by the Owen family
Architecture: Brick construction, Federal/Empire style

Robert Dale Owen and David Dale Owen are thought to have commissioned the building of this house, built by carpenters John Bondaley and J.B. Johnson and architects Swift and Barter. However, none of the Owens ever lived in the building. The architects also built other houses in New Harmony.

From 1830 to 1838, the Owen brothers owned the house and rented it to more than 10 families. During this time, a kitchen was added and a later owner added rooms all across the back of the house. These additions were torn off by later owners. Historic New Harmony, Inc. purchased, renovated and furnished the house in the 1970s.

The furniture pieces are from the correct period, the 1830s-1840s, but are not original to the house. Except for a few pieces that are from Posey County, all the other furniture and decorations are from elsewhere. The Empire style sideboard in the dining room was made by local craftsman John Beal for Robert Dale Owen.

Access: Interior accessible during guided tours only. This house is regularly featured on the New Harmony History Tour.

Know Before You Go

Air Conditioning
Benches/Seating Outside
Fire Extinguisher
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Indoor
Information - Staff Member Present
No Flash Photography
Parking - Auto
Stairs
Uneven Surfaces
Wheelchair Accessible in Some Areas

Questions About the 1830 Owen House?

Want to know more about this historic house? Wondering about an object you saw during a tour? Contact us at harmony@usi.edu or 812-682-4488.

Connect With
Historic New Harmony

(812) 682-4488