Located south of Durham proper, the Bagley-Bliss House is a two-story Greek Revival-style frame building with a one-and-a-half story ell. It sits on a granite block foundation and is sheathed in clapboards and wood shingles. The front elevation features a traditional central doorway with a three-panel door flanked by sidelights. Shallow pedimented lintels are present above all the windows. Local tradition notes that the house was constructed around 1770 for Revolutionary War veteran O. Israel Bagley and is considered to be the oldest dwelling in Durham. Its Greek Revival-style characteristics, which were wildly popular around 1850, suggests that the house was extensively altered in the mid-nineteenth century during the occupancy of the Charles Bliss family. Bagley and his wife, Mary, were among the earliest European-American settlers in Durham. He had many business pursuits including the first general store in the community, a potash manufactory, shoemaking, and ownership of a wind-powered grist mill. The community's first school was held at the residence which also served at a public inn.
Year Listed: 1996
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=733d7fef-3a6f-4fca-aff4-e2fd551df5a3