Hancock–Clarke House facts for kids
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Hancock–Clarke House
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The Hancock–Clarke House, Lexington, Massachusetts
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1738 |
| Architectural style | Early Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000895 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | July 17, 1971 |
The Hancock–Clarke House is a very old and important house in Lexington, Massachusetts. It was built in 1738. Today, it is known as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a place recognized for its special history.
This house is famous because it was once home to John Hancock, a very important person in American history. He was one of the Founding Fathers. He lived here when he was a child. It's the only house connected to him that you can visit!
The house also played a big part in the start of the American Revolutionary War. On the night before the Battle of Lexington and Concord, John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying here. They were leaders for the American colonists. Today, the Lexington Historical Society runs the house as a museum. You can visit it on weekends starting in mid-April, and daily from May 30th to October 31st. There is a small fee to get in.
Contents
History of the Hancock and Clarke Families
Early Owners of the House
The land where the house stands was bought in 1699 by Reverend John Hancock. He was the grandfather of the famous John Hancock. In 1738, he built this two-story wooden house. His son, Thomas, who was a rich merchant from Boston, helped pay for it.
The main part of the house has two floors and a central chimney. It has a small hallway and two rooms on each floor, plus an attic. A smaller section at the back has a kitchen and a tiny study downstairs. It also has two small rooms upstairs. Both parts of the house were built at the same time.
John Hancock's Boyhood Home
This house is one of only two homes still standing that are connected to John Hancock. He was a famous American patriot. He was the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence. He also became the first Governor of Massachusetts.
When John Hancock was seven years old, his father passed away. In 1744, young John came to live in this house with his grandfather. Later, in 1750, he moved to Boston to live with his wealthy uncle, Thomas Hancock, who adopted him.
A Key Night Before the Revolution
On the evening of April 18, 1775, John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying at the house. They had been at a meeting in Concord and didn't want to go back to Boston. They were guests of Reverend Jonas Clarke, who took over as minister after Reverend Hancock in 1752. Reverend Clarke was a strong supporter of the colonists' fight for freedom.
The British troops were getting ready to march. Dr. Joseph Warren from Boston sent William Dawes and Paul Revere to Lexington. Their job was to warn Hancock and Adams. They arrived separately around midnight and told them the British were coming. After giving the warning, Dawes and Revere continued their ride to Concord. Hancock and Adams quickly left the house and went to Burlington to avoid being captured by the British.
The House Today
Changes Over the Years
The Hancock–Clarke House stayed in the Clarke family until 1844. Reverend Clarke's daughters took care of it for many years. After that, it was sold a few times. In 1896, the Lexington Historical Society bought the house. It was going to be torn down, but the society saved it! They moved it across the street to keep it safe.
Later, in 1974, the society bought the original land where the house first stood. They then moved the house back to its first location. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What You Can See at the Museum
Today, the house is a museum. Inside, you can see furniture and pictures that belonged to the Hancock and Clarke families. There is also a special exhibit area. It shows items from April 19, 1775, the day of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
See also
