Faulkner House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Faulkner House
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Faulkner House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Acton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1700 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000080 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 1986 |
The Faulkner House is a very old and important building in Acton, Massachusetts. It is the oldest house from the colonial period that is still standing in the town. In 1964, a group called 'Iron Work Farm in Acton, Inc.' bought the house. This group works to protect and save historic places in the Acton area. Today, the Faulkner House is carefully looked after by them.
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The House's Early History
The Faulkner House was first built for a man named Ephraim Jones. He was born in 1679 and started a textile business in 1702. This business, along with other mills, helped create the town of Acton.
Because it was the biggest house in the area, it also served as a "garrison house." This meant it was a safe place where people could go for protection. This was especially important during attacks by Native Americans. These attacks happened during a conflict known as Queen Anne's War, which lasted from 1702 to 1713.
The Faulkner Family Takes Over
In 1738, a man named Ammi Ruhamah Faulkner began renting the house and the mills. He then bought them in 1742. For more than 200 years, the Faulkner family lived in this house. Six different generations of the family called it home.
The family continued to work with wool cloth at a "fulling mill" across the road. A fulling mill was a place where wool was cleaned and thickened to make it stronger. People say this mill was one of the first places in the United States to make woolen cloth on a large scale.
A Key Spot in the American Revolution
The Faulkner House played an exciting role during the American Revolutionary War. It was used as a meeting place for the South Acton Militia. This was a group of local citizen soldiers.
Paul Revere's Ride and the Alarm
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode to warn people that British soldiers were coming. He needed more riders to spread the message. In Lexington, Revere met Dr. Samuel Prescott and asked for his help.
Dr. Prescott rode to Concord and then to Acton. He told Captain Joseph Robbins, Isaac Davis, and Deacon Simon Hunt the news. Then, Prescott went to South Acton and reached the Faulkner House.
The Signal for Action
When Major Francis Faulkner heard the news, he fired three shots. This was a special signal to call everyone to action. Soon, the local militia from Acton gathered at the house. From Acton, a man named Edward Bancroft then carried the important message to other towns.
The Faulkner House is one of several historic places in South Acton. It is owned by 'Iron Work Farm in Acton, Inc.' This group works to study and protect important landmarks in the area. Another nearby historic building is Jones Tavern, which is also owned by this group. Exchange Hall is another old building close to both the Faulkner House and Jones Tavern.
See also
