Holt Farm (Andover, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Holt Farm
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Andover, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1714 |
| Architect | Holt, Timothy (3) |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| MPS | Town of Andover MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004819 |
| Added to NRHP | June 10, 1982 |
Holt Farm is a very old and important farm located in Andover, Massachusetts. It was built way back in 1714! This historic house sits on the highest point in Essex County, offering amazing views. Today, parts of the original farm are a public park called the Ward Reservation, managed by The Trustees of Reservations.
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Discovering Holt Farm's History
Holt Farm was built in 1714 by Timothy Holt. He was the grandson of Nicholas Holt, one of Andover's first settlers. The house was built on land that Nicholas Holt had originally been given. This spot is the highest point in all of Essex County!
For a long time, this special hill was known as Holt Hill. Later, in the late 1800s, its name changed to Prospect Hill. But in the early 1900s, it went back to its original name, Holt Hill.
The Holt Family's Beginnings
The first Holt to settle in Andover was Nicholas Holt. He was an important early leader in the town. Nicholas was a tanner, which means he worked with animal hides to make leather. He also ran the ferry across the Shawsheen River.
Nicholas's grandson, Timothy Holt, built the farm house. Timothy built it on land that his father, James Holt, had received from Nicholas. Even though Nicholas himself might not have been able to read or write much, his family became very well-educated. Many of his descendants became ministers and teachers.
Early Neighbors and Districts
Some of Andover's first settlers, including members of the Holt family, lived in an area called the "Stoney Plaine." This area was west of Holt Hill. They lived near a Scotsman named Robert Russell. This part of Andover has long been known as the 'Scotland District.'
Holt Hill and the areas around it are actually in the Holt District. These districts were named after the local school houses in each neighborhood. Robert Russell was the first person buried in the new South Parish burying ground in 1710. He had ten children, and three of them married Holts from nearby Holt Farm.
Holt Farm Today: A Public Park
Today, much of the original Holt Farm is part of the Ward Reservation. This land is now owned by The Trustees of Reservations. It is open to everyone as a public park. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views and learn about the area's history.
