General Benjamin Lincoln House facts for kids
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Gen. Benjamin Lincoln House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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HABS photo, 1936
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 181 North St., Hingham, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 17th century |
| Architectural style | First Period; Georgian; Federal |
| Part of | Lincoln Historic District (ID90001728) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001303 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated CP | January 7, 1991 |
The General Benjamin Lincoln House is a very old and important house located at 181 North Street in Hingham, Massachusetts, United States. It is known as a National Historic Landmark. This house was the birthplace and main home of Benjamin Lincoln (1733–1810). He was a respected military leader in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Some parts of the house might be as old as the 1630s. Major additions were made mostly in the 1700s. This could make it one of the oldest wooden buildings in the United States. General Lincoln likely made the last big changes to the house in the late 1700s.
As of 2009, the house is still owned by descendants of the Lincoln family. It is not usually open for public visits. Any changes to the inside or outside of the house must be approved. This is done in cooperation with Historic New England, a group that helps protect old buildings.
History of the Benjamin Lincoln House
Like many old American homes, the Benjamin Lincoln House has changed over time. The exact dates of some work on the house are not always clear. Family stories say that parts of the house were first built around 1637. This was supposedly by Thomas Lincoln, who was a "cooper" (someone who makes barrels). However, there is no clear building evidence to prove this early date.
What we do know for sure is that around 1715, the house became L-shaped. General Lincoln then made it even bigger in the late 1700s. This gave it the shape we see today. A porch was added in the late 1800s but was removed in 1937. This was the only major change to the house since General Lincoln's time.
In 2009, the Lincoln family worked with Historic New England. They made an agreement to protect the house's unique look, both inside and out. The house is also part of Hingham's Lincoln Historic District. This means that changes to the outside of the property are also limited.
What the Lincoln House Looks Like
The Lincoln House is a short distance west of Hingham's main town area. It sits just west of a small park where North and Lincoln Streets meet. It is a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It is seven bays wide, meaning it has seven sections along its front.
The house has a roof that slopes down on two sides. It also has two chimneys inside the house. The outside is covered with clapboard siding. The whole house sits on a strong granite foundation.
The main front door is in the middle of the side that faces south. Above the door is a simple, flat decorative piece. When you enter, you step into a central hallway. Stairs to the second floor are in this hall.
To the right of the hall is the main living room, called the parlor. Behind it are two smaller rooms. These are traditionally thought to be the original kitchen and a "borning room" from 1637. These rooms have special paneled walls around their fireplaces. The parlor's fireplace is decorated with blue Delft tiles.
To the left of the central hall is an older entry area. It has a winding staircase. Next to this is the dining room, added in 1715. This room also has a fully paneled wall around its fireplace. The house's kitchen from 1715 is located behind this dining room. In total, the house has seven staircases. There are also seven bedrooms on the second floor.
Who Was Benjamin Lincoln?
Benjamin Lincoln was born in this house in 1733. He was very active in local government. He also held important leadership roles in the local army, called the militia. This was in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, before it became a state.
He became a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He had to surrender American forces at the Siege of Charleston in 1780. However, he was also present when the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. This was a very important moment that helped end the war.
After the war, General Lincoln served as the Secretary at War. He then returned to Massachusetts in 1783. He continued to be active in Massachusetts politics and military affairs. He led the militia that stopped Shays' Rebellion in 1787. This was an uprising by farmers. He also served one term as lieutenant governor in 1788. For many years after that, he worked as the federal collector at the Port of Boston.
