The Oldest House in Massachusetts Still Stands Strong After 382 Years

Massachusetts has a long and rich history as the 6th state of the United States. This northeastern state has a lot of cool and old buildings, some of which you can visit, including the oldest house in Massachusetts. Can you guess just how old this house is and where it was built? Follow along to find out!

What is the Oldest House in Massachusetts?

The oldest house in Massachusetts is the Fairbanks House in Dedham. This house predates the United States. It was built approximately in 1641, making it about 382 years old. Although the oldest completed section of the home was likely completed in 1641, the summer beam may have been added as early as 1637. Not only is this house the oldest in the state but also the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America. It’s even been verified by dendrochronology testing. The Fairbanks House has been a National Historic Landmark since 1961.

The History of the Fairbanks House

The History of the Fairbanks House began with Jonathan Fairbanks, who moved from Heptonstall to Boston, Massachusetts in 1633. This English colonist acquired land in 1636 or 1637, settling in Dedham. Experts aren’t sure exactly when the Fairbanks House was constructed, but it was likely between 1636 and 1641. Interestingly, the frame, bricks, tiles, and windows of the house were shipped from England, however, the plaster was made from clay found in the Charles River. 

The Fairbanks House changed a lot through the years. It wasn’t built quickly, but instead in sections. For instance, the roof was likely placed from 1652 to 1654. The last few editions of the house were added in the 18th and 19th centuries. For generations, the Fairbanks lived in this old home. It stayed in the family until 1895 when Rebecca Fairbanks moved in after the passing of her aunt. She struggled financially and sold the home to John Crowley. Now, it’s a historic building and museum. 

Interestingly, many ghost stories surround this home, which makes sense considering it’s nearly 400 years old. Some Fairbanks family members may have practiced witchcraft in the old house as evidence remains. To ward off evil creatures, they used hexes and charms.

Can You Visit the Oldest House in Massachusetts?

This old home is open to the public. It’s a museum home to hundreds of old artifacts. Visiting feels like being transported back in time as this house never had modern amenities like electricity. An entrance fee is required and 50-minute tours are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May through October. You can register online. If you’re unable to visit in person, you can also purchase a virtual pass and view the Fairbanks House through a 3-D interactive Virtual Tour. It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Where is the Oldest House in Massachusetts Located on a Map?

The Fairbanks House is located at 511 East Stree in Dedham, at the corner of East Street and Eastern Avenue. It can be accessed by either Whiting or Eastern Avenues and is across the street from Barnes Memorial Park. The house is a 25-minute drive from Boston and is also accessible via MBTA bus and commuter rail.

Other Notable Landmarks in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has many historic notable sites, some of which are near the old Fairbanks House. If you’re in the area visiting the Fairbanks House, you can also explore the town including the MIT Endicott House. It’s 10 miles from downtown Boston and includes the Endicott mansion, a Normandy French-style chateau, and the Brooks Center. You can also walk through 25 acres of gardens.

Another historical landmark worth the visit in Massachusetts is the House of the Seven Gables in Salem. Although not as old as the Fairbanks House, it’s still very impressive. The House of the Seven Gables was built in 1668 and was made famous by the novel, The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The first owner of the house was Capt. John Turner and three generations of the Turney family stayed there. Multiple architectural styles make up this beautiful home including the Georgian style. This large structure has a surface area of over 8,000 square feet and 17 rooms.

The Paul Revere House is another old and impressive building in Massachusetts. Its located in Boston and was built around 1680. Although it’s not the oldest house in the state, it is the oldest in downtown Boston. While it’s known as the Paul Revere House, the first owner was Robert Howard. In his possession, it was an L-shaped townhouse. Paul Revere owned this three-story home from 1770 to 1800, but may not have lived there the entire time. By 1901, the Paul Revere House was a historic museum, one of the earliest in the country. Now, visitors can go to the connected visitor and education center.