James Brooks House, Dayton
The James Brooks House is a notable historic residence located in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Originally constructed in the 1830s, this building underwent significant modifications later in the 19th century. Recognized for its historical importance, it was designated a historic site in the 1970s, preserving its unique architectural blend and storied past.
This stone building rests on a brick foundation and features an asphalt roof, with additional elements of stone and iron. Architecturally, it presents a simple rectangular plan, standing two stories tall with an exposed basement. The house's layout is enhanced by a rear extension formed by enclosing a two-story veranda, adding extra rooms. The facade is three bays wide, with windows in the central and eastern bays on all three floors, while the western bay contains a window on the second story and the main entrance on the first.
The basement's western bay is blocked by a small staircase. Pilasters with Ionic capitals frame the second-story windows, contrasting with the simpler lower floors. A shallow hip roof, interrupted by chimneys on either side, overhangs to create space for a cornice with large brackets. The sides of the house are plain, with the western side notably featuring a simple fire escape.
The early history of the James Brooks House is somewhat enigmatic. It was constructed for Thomas Clegg, an English immigrant and small-scale industrialist who owned Dayton’s first iron and brass foundries. However, the precise date of construction is uncertain. While a stone building was erected on the site in 1831, which may be the current house, some sources suggest it could have been built the following year. Montgomery County tax records add to the confusion, as they show that Clegg never owned the property nor paid taxes on it, leaving the original ownership unclear. The house initially featured a Greek Revival design, but mid-19th-century renovations, including changes to the cornice and other elements, imparted a Victorian-era appearance.
In 1975, the James Brooks House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This stone building rests on a brick foundation and features an asphalt roof, with additional elements of stone and iron. Architecturally, it presents a simple rectangular plan, standing two stories tall with an exposed basement. The house's layout is enhanced by a rear extension formed by enclosing a two-story veranda, adding extra rooms. The facade is three bays wide, with windows in the central and eastern bays on all three floors, while the western bay contains a window on the second story and the main entrance on the first.
The basement's western bay is blocked by a small staircase. Pilasters with Ionic capitals frame the second-story windows, contrasting with the simpler lower floors. A shallow hip roof, interrupted by chimneys on either side, overhangs to create space for a cornice with large brackets. The sides of the house are plain, with the western side notably featuring a simple fire escape.
The early history of the James Brooks House is somewhat enigmatic. It was constructed for Thomas Clegg, an English immigrant and small-scale industrialist who owned Dayton’s first iron and brass foundries. However, the precise date of construction is uncertain. While a stone building was erected on the site in 1831, which may be the current house, some sources suggest it could have been built the following year. Montgomery County tax records add to the confusion, as they show that Clegg never owned the property nor paid taxes on it, leaving the original ownership unclear. The house initially featured a Greek Revival design, but mid-19th-century renovations, including changes to the cornice and other elements, imparted a Victorian-era appearance.
In 1975, the James Brooks House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dayton. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
James Brooks House on Map
Sight Name: James Brooks House
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dayton, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Dayton
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dayton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wright Brothers Walking Tour
Renowned as the cradle of innovation for the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, Dayton, Ohio is rich with aviation history. The pioneers of powered flight transformed Dayton into a hub of technological advancement and ingenuity. Today, visitors to the city can explore several sites that commemorate their groundbreaking achievements.
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
Dayton Introduction Walking Tour
Dayton, Ohio, often called the "Gem City" (for no apparent reason), is also known as the "Birthplace of Aviation" for being the hometown of the Wright brothers, inventors and builders of the first practical airplane. Additionally, Dayton is colloquially referred to as "Little Detroit" for its significant role as a Midwestern manufacturing center.
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Dayton Historical Buildings Tour
Dayton, Ohio, is home to a number of impressive historical buildings designed in a variety of styles, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles