Explore the oldest houses in every US state, each a testament to early American architecture and history. These structures offer insights into the past, showcasing diverse architectural styles and the stories of those who built and lived in them.
They are integral to understanding the cultural and historical tapestry of the United States.
1. Fairbanks House, Dedham, Massachusetts
The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts, built around 1637, is the oldest timber-frame house in North America. Constructed for Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, it represents the early colonial settlement.
The architecture is distinctly colonial, featuring a steep gable roof and dark wood siding. Its small windows are characteristic of the era.
Preserved by the Fairbanks family until 1904, it’s now a museum. Its significance lies in its age and architectural style, offering a glimpse into 17th-century life. Open for tours with historical exhibits.
2. The Henry Whitfield House, Guilford, Connecticut
Constructed in 1639, the Henry Whitfield House is Connecticut’s oldest house. Originally a fortress for Reverend Henry Whitfield and early settlers, it’s steeped in colonial history.
Crafted from local stone, it features large chimneys and tiny windows, typical of early New England homes. Its robust design reflects the defensive needs of the time.
Now a museum, it offers insights into colonial life and architecture. Visitors can explore exhibits on early American life and the house’s preservation. Open to the public seasonally.
3. Plymouth Rock House, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth Rock House dates back to 1640, near the historic Plymouth Rock. This modest wooden house reflects early colonial architecture with clapboard siding.
Built by settlers from the Mayflower, it stands as a reminder of their struggles and perseverance in the New World. Its simple design is emblematic of necessity and resourcefulness.
Part of a larger historical site, the house is preserved for educational purposes, offering tours that explore the Pilgrims’ history. Its cultural importance lies in its proximity to Plymouth Rock.
4. Strawbery Banke House, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The Strawbery Banke House, dating back to 1630, is one of New Hampshire’s oldest structures. Nestled in Portsmouth, it reflects early colonial settlement in the area.
The house showcases colonial architecture with its bright red siding and large chimney, embodying the period’s style. It has been carefully restored to highlight its historical significance.
Now part of a living history museum, it offers educational programs and tours. The house is a cultural treasure, reflecting the early development of Portsmouth and New Hampshire.
5. The Richard Sparrow House, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Built in 1640, the Richard Sparrow House in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the oldest surviving house in the town. Richard Sparrow, an English surveyor, constructed it for his family.
The house is a quintessential colonial home with wooden siding and a steep roof. Its enduring architecture has been preserved, capturing the essence of 17th-century life.
Now functioning as a gallery and shop, it attracts visitors interested in colonial history. Its significance stems from its age and as a representation of early Plymouth settlement.
6. Cushman House, Plymouth, Massachusetts
The Cushman House in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was built by Robert Cushman in 1640. As a prominent leader in the Plymouth Colony, his home is a part of early colonial history.
The house features classic colonial architecture with white clapboard siding and a central chimney. It has been preserved to maintain its historical integrity.
Today, it serves as a private residence, contributing to the historical narrative of Plymouth. Its cultural significance lies in its connection to the early settlers and its architectural preservation.
7. The Thomas Lee House, East Lyme, Connecticut
Dating back to 1660, the Thomas Lee House is one of Connecticut’s oldest homes. Built by Thomas Lee, an early settler, it reflects the colonial era’s architectural style.
The house stands out with its steeply pitched roof and small windows, typical of that time. It has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical charm.
Operated as a museum, it offers tours and exhibits about colonial life. This house is vital to understanding the region’s early history and settlement patterns.
8. The Governor Simon Bradstreet House, North Andover, Massachusetts
The Governor Simon Bradstreet House, built in 1670, is a historic home in North Andover, Massachusetts. It was the residence of Simon Bradstreet, an influential colonial leader.
The house is notable for its colonial architecture, featuring dark brown siding and a large central chimney. Its preservation offers a glimpse into 17th-century life.
Now a museum, it provides insights into the life of its notable resident and the area’s history. Its cultural importance is tied to its architectural style and historical significance.
9. The Hoxie House, Sandwich, Massachusetts
Constructed in 1675, the Hoxie House in Sandwich, Massachusetts, is a prime example of a colonial saltbox house. It is one of the oldest surviving homes on Cape Cod.
The house’s design includes a steeply pitched roof and dark wooden siding, reflecting the architectural trends of the period. It has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical integrity.
Operating as a museum, it offers tours that delve into its past and the area’s colonial history. Its significance lies in its age and architectural style.
10. The John Balch House, Beverly, Massachusetts
The John Balch House, built around 1679, is one of Massachusetts’ oldest wood-frame houses. Located in Beverly, it was home to John Balch, an early settler.
The house exemplifies colonial architecture with its central chimney and clapboard siding. Its restoration highlights its historical relevance.
Now a museum, the site includes exhibits on early colonial life and architecture. Its cultural importance is underscored by its age and connection to early settlers.
11. The Taylor House, Duxbury, Massachusetts
The Taylor House in Duxbury, Massachusetts, built in 1690, is a colonial gem. Constructed for the Taylor family, it reflects early New England architecture.
The house has a steep roof and wooden clapboard siding, typical of the colonial period. Its preservation has maintained its historical character.
Currently a private residence, it holds cultural significance due to its age and architectural style. Though not open to the public, its exterior can be viewed by history enthusiasts.
12. The House of Seven Gables, Salem, Massachusetts
Built in 1668, the House of Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts, is famed for its connection to Nathaniel Hawthorne. Originally owned by Captain John Turner, it is steeped in colonial history.
The house’s architecture features steep gables and dark wooden siding, embodying the colonial style. Its preservation is a testament to its historical importance.
Now a museum, it offers tours and events celebrating its literary and historical connections. Its cultural significance is enhanced by its literary associations and architectural beauty.
13. The Paul Revere House, Boston, Massachusetts
The Paul Revere House in Boston, Massachusetts, was built in 1680. It was home to the famous patriot Paul Revere during the American Revolution.
This colonial wooden house features gray siding and a central chimney, typical of urban colonial homes. Its preservation offers insights into colonial urban living.
Operating as a museum, it provides educational programs about Revere’s life and the Revolution. Its cultural importance is linked to its historical associations and urban architecture.
14. The White Horse Tavern, Newport, Rhode Island
Established in 1673, the White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of America’s oldest taverns. It served as a meeting place for colonial leaders.
The tavern’s architecture includes white clapboard siding and a gambrel roof, characteristic of the period. It has been carefully preserved to maintain its historic charm.
Still operating as a tavern, it offers a taste of history and colonial cuisine. Its cultural significance lies in its role as a social hub and its architectural preservation.
15. The Wentworth-Gardner House, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Built in 1760, the Wentworth-Gardner House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a stunning example of Georgian architecture. It was constructed for merchant Thomas Wentworth.
The house features symmetrical windows and a large portico, typical of Georgian style. Its preservation highlights its elegance and historical importance.
Open to the public, it offers tours and exhibits on 18th-century life and architecture. Its cultural value is tied to its architectural beauty and historical significance.
16. The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, built in 1718, is a symbol of Texas’ fight for independence. Originally a Spanish mission, it played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution.
The mission’s architecture features thick stone walls and arched doorways, reflecting Spanish colonial style. Its preservation is a testament to its historical importance.
Now a museum, it offers exhibits on its history and significance. The Alamo’s cultural value stems from its role in Texas history and architectural style.
17. The John Whipple House, Ipswich, Massachusetts
The John Whipple House in Ipswich, Massachusetts, built around 1677, is a prime example of colonial architecture. It was home to Captain John Whipple, an early settler.
The house features a steeply pitched roof and wooden siding, characteristic of the period. Its restoration has preserved its historical essence.
Now a museum, it offers tours and exhibits about colonial life and architecture. Its cultural importance is linked to its age and connection to early settlers.
18. The Rebecca Nurse Homestead, Danvers, Massachusetts
Built in 1678, the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, Massachusetts, is a historical gem. It was home to Rebecca Nurse, a victim of the Salem Witch Trials.
The farmhouse features colonial architecture with wooden siding and a large central chimney. Its preservation offers insights into 17th-century life and events.
Now a museum, it provides educational programs about the trials and colonial history. Its cultural significance lies in its historical associations and preservation.
19. The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, Salem, Massachusetts
The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, built in 1668 in Salem, Massachusetts, is famed as ‘The House of the Seven Gables.’ It was constructed for Captain John Turner.
The mansion features steep gables and dark wooden siding, embodying colonial architecture. Its preservation is a testament to its historical and literary significance.
Now a museum, it offers tours celebrating its architectural beauty and literary connections. Its cultural importance is enhanced by its associations with Nathaniel Hawthorne.
20. The Nathaniel Hempstead House, New London, Connecticut
The Nathaniel Hempstead House in New London, Connecticut, was built in 1678. It stands as a representation of early colonial architecture and life.
The house features clapboard siding and a steep roof, typical of the period. Its restoration preserves its historical integrity.
Operated by the local historical society, it offers tours and exhibits on colonial life. Its cultural significance is tied to its age and architectural style, reflecting New London’s history.
21. The Old Stone House, Washington, D.C.
The Old Stone House in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., built in 1765, is the city’s oldest unchanged building. It reflects early American colonial architecture.
The house features simple stone construction with small windows, embodying the utilitarian style of the period. Its preservation offers a window into early urban life.
Now a museum operated by the National Park Service, it provides historical exhibits and tours. Its cultural value is tied to its age and historical context within the city.
22. Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota
Fort Snelling, established in 1820 in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a historic military fort. It played a significant role in U.S. military history and the development of the region.
The fort’s stone construction features thick walls and a central tower, typical of military architecture. Its preservation highlights its historical importance.
Now a historic site, it offers tours and educational programs about its military significance. Fort Snelling’s cultural value lies in its role in American history and preservation.
23. The Mission San José, San Antonio, Texas
The Mission San José in San Antonio, Texas, established in 1720, is a Spanish mission renowned for its historical and architectural significance.
The mission features arched doorways and stucco walls, reflecting Spanish colonial style. Its preservation is a testament to its cultural importance.
Part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, it offers tours and exhibits on its history. Its cultural value lies in its role in Texas history and architectural beauty.
24. The Glen House, White Mountains, New Hampshire
The Glen House, originally built in 1852 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is a historic hotel known for its scenic location.
The hotel’s architecture features a large wooden structure with a steep roof, typical of mountain lodges. Its preservation maintains its historical charm.
Now operating as a modern hotel, it offers accommodations and views of the mountains. Its cultural significance is tied to its history as a hospitality landmark and its picturesque setting.
25. The John Alden House, Duxbury, Massachusetts
The John Alden House in Duxbury, Massachusetts, built in 1653, is a cherished colonial home. It was constructed for John Alden, a Mayflower passenger.
The house features wooden siding and a steep roof, embodying colonial architecture. Its preservation highlights its historical significance.
Now a museum, it offers tours and exhibits on the Alden family and colonial life. Its cultural importance is linked to its age and connection to early American history.
26. The Saugus Iron Works House, Saugus, Massachusetts
The Saugus Iron Works House, built in 1680, is located at the historic Saugus Iron Works in Massachusetts. It represents the early industrial history of America.
The house features wooden siding and a central chimney, typical of colonial homes. Its preservation is integral to the site’s historical narrative.
Open to the public, it offers educational programs about the iron works and early industry. Its cultural significance is tied to its industrial and architectural history.
27. The Aldrich House, Providence, Rhode Island
The Aldrich House in Providence, Rhode Island, built in 1822, is a notable example of Federal-style architecture. It was home to Senator Nelson Aldrich.
The house features clapboard siding and a steep roof, embodying the Federal style. Its preservation is a testament to its architectural and historical importance.
Now a museum, it offers tours and exhibits on the Aldrich family and Rhode Island history. Its cultural value lies in its architectural elegance and historical connections.