LIVING HISTORY
Check Out 10 Of The Oldest Houses in America And Their Stories
In the U.S. territory, there are some buildings and edifications that have really passed the test of time, standing as witnesses to the strength and durability that human creations can have. Many of them still retain traits of those who built or inhabited them, even after standing for 400 years or more. If you want to discover more about them, join us as we tell you the origin and stories of 10 of the oldest buildings in America!
1
Palace of the Governors (New Mexico, 1610)
Image: Donald Giannatti
This is one of the oldest continuously occupied public buildings in the United States. Built in 1610 , it served as the seat of the Spanish, Mexican, and, finally, American government.
Some experts claim that the key to its longevity is the material of which it is composed. Adobe has always worked very well as a building material in areas that, like New Mexico, have a major thermal amplitude. This is because adobe works as a thermal insulator.
Besides all the historical artifacts this building holds, it also has many stories to tell. In 1862, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln gave a famous speech from the Palace's balcony.
2
Fairbanks House (Massachusetts, 1637)
Image: Lampos Aritonang
Built around 1637 by English immigrant Jonathan Fairbanks in what is now Dedham, Massachusetts, many sources claim that the Fairbanks House is the oldest timber-frame house in America.
With so many years of existence and so many people who must have passed through it, can you imagine the stories that could be told from inside those wooden walls? For 8 generations, Jonathan's descendants inhabited this place, and today, it functions as a museum for all of us to visit.
This 380 -year-old house was built with oak wood, straw, animal fur, and other materials of the time. Just imagine how cold it must have been inside during winter!
3
C.A. Nothnagle Log House (New Jersey, 1638-1643)
Image: Joshua Michaels
Can you imagine holding an object from the 1590s in your own hands? Well, that's what you could do at the C. A. Nothnagle Log House in New Jersey.
The Finns and the Swedish left testimonies of their building techniques in our territory with this log cabin built between 1638 and 1643, one of the oldest still extant in the country. The many inhabitants of this house never had to worry about winter; the interior features a large, centrally located stone and brick chimney that provides even heat for the entire place.
With so many years of history, it's not unusual for visitors to experience strange episodes at the C. A. Nothnagle Log House. Some have reported hearing footsteps and soft murmuring, while others affirm to have seen a specter of a woman dressed in colonial-era clothing.
4
Richard Sparrow House (Massachusetts, 1640)
Image: James Kovin
Richard Sparrow, surveyor and early settler of Plymouth, Massachusetts, built this historic house in 1640, making it the oldest surviving house in Plymouth.
With its timber frame, this house is an example of typical colonial architecture, demonstrating the durability of this type of construction. Despite the restorations necessary to keep it standing, the house keeps most of its original materials and still looks much as it did in the 17th century , making it an interesting source of education about the period.
5
House of the Seven Gables (Massachusetts, 1668)
Image: Joseph Corl
The Fairbanks House is not the only historic house in Massachusetts.
Considered a colonial mansion, the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner and stayed with his family for three generations. The place became famous in 1851 for its appearance in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Gothic novel "The House of the Seven Gables," which also gave it its characteristic nickname.
While the dark stories Hawthorne wrote about are fictional, some visitors claim to have felt a scary feeling and strange vibes inside the house. Would you like to visit the museum?
6
Paul Revere House (Massachusetts, 1680)
Image: Timur M
As the name implies, this historic house was the home of patriot Paul Revere.
Built in 1638 , it is not only one of the oldest houses in the country, but it is also the oldest standing building in downtown Boston, and represents a fine example of classic Colonial American architecture.
The building originally belonged to another owner, and Paul Revere acquired it around 1770 . If you visit the house, you can see objects and artifacts that actually belonged to the Revere family! You won't be the first, though, as an estimated 300,000 people visit the house annually.
7
Shirley Plantation (Virginia, 1723)
Image: Belia Koziak
Shirley Plantation is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most famous plantations in America.
While the plantation was founded in 1613, construction of its main house began in 1723, designed in the Georgian architectural style.
Additionally, visitors can find artifacts, tools, and weapons from the Civil War era, making it a truly valuable experience. As another detail, Shirley Plantation also has the oldest known plantation portrait in America: it features Elizabeth Hill and John Carter, whose marriage united the Hill and Carter families. These families have owned the place since 1738 to this day!
8
Wright's Ferry Mansion (Pennsylvania, 1738)
Image: Marie Martin
Susanna Wright was a pioneer Quaker woman from Philadelphia, who decided to live in Wright's Ferry (what is now Columbia) in the early 18th century. Wright was active in poetry, science, and local politics and business.
In 1738, she built Wright's Ferry Mansion, which served not only as her family home but also as a business center. With its classic proportions and elegant style, the mansion is today one of the oldest in the country. It was preserved to keep its original appearance, remaining a fine example of early 18th-century architecture in the country.
Legend has it that the house is haunted by the spirit of its original owner, with several visitors claiming to have seen her, or heard murmurs and loud footsteps inside the house.
9
Mount Vernon (Virginia, 1734-1750s)
Image: Matt Briney
We can't overlook the iconic Mount Vernon. Built in Fairfax County, Virginia, it’s one of the most famous homes in the country. And you know why: it was the home of our first president, George Washington.
The original house was built in 1734 by George Washington's father, Augustine Washington, and then expanded by his son into the building we see today. Washington influenced American architecture with the design of this building. In fact, it is said that the design of the "New Room" in Mount Vernon inspired the White House's Oval Office!
While the exterior is made of wood, it was sanded and beveled to mimic stone for a classic, elegant style. The house also has Martha Washington's famous "Blue Room," one of the most beautiful and best-decorated spaces, which still preserves its appearance. Have you already visited it?
10
Drayton Hall (South Carolina, 1747-1752)
Image: Peter Herrmann
Charleston, South Carolina, was the site where the historic Drayton Hall was built between 1747 and 1752.
This 18th-century plantation is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture. In addition, it is also claimed to be the only plantation house on the Ashley River that survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, not without some damage.
With nearly 300 years of history, it's undeniable that this house was the scene of many stories and events. Some visitors have claimed that the house is haunted , reporting sightings of apparitions and hearing mysterious noises. Spooky, isn't it?
