About the House

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The Mitchell Rountree Stone Cottage is often referred to as a gem and is a fine example of a small house typically seen in Virginia. The Stone Cottage was built in 1837 which is even before Wisconsin became a state in 1848. The cottage is constructed of dolomite limestone that was quarried in Platteville. The walls vary from 24 to 36 inches in thickness. They were originally plastered with plain mud and hog hair on hand split oak lath. The floors are of ash boards which were hand sawn of random widths grooved and splined. 

The house was built by Reverend Samuel Mitchell and his wife Eleanor. After his wife died in 1842, he continued to live int he house until 1852 when he moved to Missouri, home to his sons. Upon leaving Platteville, he sold the Stone Cottage to William McCord who owned it for two years. McCord then sold the house to Major John Rountree who later gifted the home as a wedding present to his son. 

Reverend Samuel Mitchell & Major John Rountree

Reverend Samuel Mitchell was 15 years old when the colonies issued the Declaration of Independence. He then joined the Continental Army. He moved to Platteville and built the Stone Cottage in1837. He lived there until 1852. After his death, the land and Stone Cottage was left to his son-in-law, John Rountree.

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John Hawkins served in the Wisconsin Legislature as both a Representative in the House of Representatives and a state Senator. He was the 1st post master of Platteville in 1829, the First Justice of the Peace in 1829, and a Judge of Probate. He developed many ares throughout the city of Platteville. He and his wife Lydia event attended the Inauguration of President Grant.