Campbell House

Ulster: Map location 9

This was once the home of the Campbell family from Plumbridge, County Tyrone. It was built in 1786 by Hugh Campbell. Two of his sons, Hugh and Robert, emigrated to America around 1818. Robert would become a famous fur trapper, a successful businessman and a close friend of United States President Ulysses S. Grant.

The Campbells were minor landlords - they owned some land and also rented land from major land owners. Of the two stone plaques above the front door, one bears Hugh's name and the date of construction and the other has the coat of arms of the Dukes of Argyll, showing that the Campbells of Aughalane claimed to be kin with the Campbells of Argyll.

The Ulster American Folk Park acquired the house in 1985 when it was due for demolition. The modern slate roof was replaced by thatch to show its original 1786 appearance. Both its architecture and the stories associated with it make Aughalane House an important building.

Take a look at the walls. They are over half a metre thick and full of small stones collected from the land. Opposite the fire is a court cupboard with the date of 1641. It might have been a wedding gift. These impressive pieces were placed where they could be seen by visitors.

Developing the Narrative

The Ulster American Folk Park strives to give a diverse range of perspectives on the story of migration from Ulster to North America, from the 18th century to the early 20th century. We believe in an inclusive approach to the exploration of our past, reflecting and representing multiple perspectives, which can open minds and promote respect and empathy. Learn more about our commitment here.

The Campbell Family and Slavery

Three enslaved children, Caroline, Simeon and Hazlett were transferred to Robert Campbell upon his marriage to Virginia Kyle in 1841. Caroline acted as a nursemaid to the Campbell children, whilst Simeon and Hazlett were sent to work on a farm. It is not known what happened to them after the 1840s.

A young enslaved woman named Eliza Countee was part of the Campbell household by 1854. She too acted as a nursemaid. In 1850, she married an enslaved man named John Rone. In 1854, John purchased his own freedom. In 1857, Campbell emancipated Eliza and her two young children, Aleck and George. Eliza and John eventually moved to Kansas City. Eliza remained in touch with the Campbell family until her death in 1923. In 2023, a short film entitled, “Eliza” was released about how Eliza spoke up for her desire for freedom.

Robert Campbell and Indigenous Peoples

Robert Campbell was on friendly terms with a number of Indigenous tribes in his young fur trapping days. In particular, he names Iron Wristband of the Shoshonee and the Nakota (Assiniboine), the Salish (Flathead) and the Nez Perce (Pierced Nose) tribes or bands in letters to his brother Hugh. In later life, his firm supplied government relief to Indigenous reservations. Like many of his time, he believed the Indigenous Peoples should take on "white" American norms and leave their culture in the past.