Victorian Architecture in the Desert: The Rosson House
Phoenix is a relatively new city and as such it doesn’t have that many prominent historical buildings. The Rosson house museum is special because it is one of the few surviving buildings from the original town site of Phoenix. It is located on Heritage Square.
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Visit the Historic House Rosson House
Heritage Square is home to ten residential structures relocated from the original town site of Phoenix. The Rosson house is a chance to see Victorian architecture in the desert.
You can tour this historical 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house. The tour is about 30 minutes long. The tin ceilings, wood flooring and built in cabinets are beautiful details you would expect from a Victorian style home.
You will see the main level as well as the upstairs. They do not give tours in the attic or 3rd floor area.
The Rosson Home was the first home in Arizona to have indoor plumbing. The bathtub in the home has wood trim around the top. This feature was considered a luxury at the time the house was built.
The wood kept the top of the tub warm to the touch. You can only see the inside of the house with a guided tour.
Forest’s Carriage House
Forest’s Carriage House is of interest because it is one of the original buildings in Phoenix dating back to the 1800’s. The Carriage House is the only building on block 14 of Heritage Square that was moved there.
Lath House Pavilion
The Lath House pavilion, built in 1980 to host events, is behind the Rosson House. You can walk through a small botanical conservatory.
How to Tour Rosson House
You can only see the inside of the home with a guided tour. Tickets can be purchased online and in person. Each tour has a small group size of 8 people.
How to Get to Rosson House
Rosson House is in Heritage Square, which is also within walking distance to the Arizona Science Center and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
Phone: 602-262-5070
Location: Downtown Phoenix (Heritage Square)
Address:4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ
Directions:7th st & Washington Downtown Phoenix
Hours:Open 10-4 Wed-Sat, 12-4 on Sundays
Website:http://www.rossonhousemuseum.org/
