Edmund Fowle House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Edmund Fowle House
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Edmund Fowle House, Watertown, Massachusetts
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 26–28 Marshall St., Watertown, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1772 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000189 |
| Added to NRHP | November 11, 1977 |
The Edmund Fowle House is a very old and important house in Watertown, Massachusetts, USA. It was built in 1772. This house is special because it's one of the oldest buildings still standing in Watertown. During the American Revolutionary War, important meetings of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress happened here. This group was like the temporary government for Massachusetts when the British were in charge of Boston. Today, the house is a museum where you can learn about local history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Contents
What the House Looks Like
The Edmund Fowle House is in Watertown, not far from Watertown Square. It's a two-story building made of wood. It has a sloped roof and a chimney in the middle. The outside is covered with wooden boards called clapboards. The front of the house has five windows and a door in the middle. The main entrance has a small, enclosed porch with a flat roof. This porch has side windows and fancy wooden trim around the door.
A Look Back in Time
Building the House
Edmund Fowle (born 1747, died 1821) built this house in 1772. It was first located on Mount Auburn Street, which was then called Mill Street.
Role in the American Revolution
Watertown became a very important place during the American Revolution. It was the main meeting spot for the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. This group acted as the government for Massachusetts when the British army was controlling Boston.
The committees of the 2nd and 3rd Provincial Congress met in the Edmund Fowle House. These meetings happened from April 22 to July 19, 1775. The Executive Committee, which made important decisions, also met here from July 19, 1775, to September 18, 1776.
The Treaty of Watertown
A very important event happened at the Edmund Fowle House in 1776. The Treaty of Watertown was signed here. This was the first treaty ever signed between the newly formed United States of America and a foreign power. The treaty was made with the St. John's and Mi'kmaq First Nations from Nova Scotia.
Moving and Restoring the House
In 1871, a company of architects bought the house. They moved it to its current spot on Marshall Street. They also changed it into a home for two families.
Later, in 1922, the Historical Society of Watertown bought the house. They wanted to preserve its history.
The house received money for restoration in 2004 and 2006 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This money helped fix up the old house. The Edmund Fowle House officially reopened in May 2008, ready for visitors to explore its past.
See also
