Farmstead virtual tour

Carriage House

When Mt. Pleasant was a working farm, its carriage house was topped with a cupola, distinguishing it from the other outbuildings. It is both decorative and functional, allowing summer heat to escape the building’s highest point while drawing cooler air in from below. This cupola is original to the building and can be removed if needed. Today, this structure serves as an educational space for Conservancy programs.

How is a carriage different than a wagon? A carriage is a four-wheeled horse-drawn passenger vehicle with leaf springs (elliptical springs in the 19th century) or leather strapping for suspension. A vehicle that is not sprung is a wagon.

The cupola is set at the peak of the roof and allows for ventilation. This airflow was good for the Browns’ horses that were kept in the carriage house.