HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Patterson-Baldwin House

Key West, Monroe County, Florida

Marker Inscription

Built in 1838 and moved to this location after the Hurricane of 1846, the Patterson-Baldwin House is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in Key West. The Classical Revival Style House is reputed to have been built, but never occupied, by Alexander Patterson, a prominent Key West Citizen and Mayor. Various sources indicate that the Pinckney family lived in the house and that Pinckney's sister, Madame Passaloque, taught classes here until 1860....

Erected by Florida Heritage Site

The Story

Built in 1838 and relocated to this spot after the devastating hurricane of 1846, the Patterson-Baldwin House is considered one of Key West's oldest buildings. This Classical Revival home is said to have been built, though never occupied, by Alexander Patterson, a prominent citizen and mayor. Later the Pinckney family lived here, and Madame Passaloque is remembered for teaching classes in the house until 1860.

Why it matters

The house survives as a rare witness to Key West's early growth, its hurricane-shaped history, and the informal schooling that educated its children.

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Related people

  • Β· Alexander Patterson
  • Β· Madame Passaloque

Themes & tags

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