Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters

The Historical Significance of the House

This house has witnessed significant moments in history. It not only served as General George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston, a critical early event in the Revolutionary War, but it was also the residence of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As one of several original Tory Row homes on Brattle Street, the house was constructed in 1759 by John Vassall, Jr.

Longfellow's Residence and Notable Guests

Longfellow first lived in the house in 1837 as a boarder. Later, he received it as a gift from his father-in-law upon his marriage to Frances Appleton. For 45 years, Longfellow resided here, writing and hosting prominent figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and abolitionist senator Charles Sumner. Today, the house, now owned and operated by the National Park Service, features well-preserved original Longfellow family furniture.

Visitor Experiences

Previous visitors have described this house as a "must-see" for anyone interested in American history. They have praised the knowledgeable tour guides and the outstanding preservation of the site.

Visiting Information

The house is free to visit and typically open from late May through late October, Wednesday through Sunday. The visitor center operates from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering fifty-minute tours of the historic house on an hourly basis. The first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m.

Additional Details

The grounds are accessible year-round from dawn to dusk. The house is located about a 10-minute walk from the Harvard Square subway stop. Additional information is available on the National Park Service website.