Jackson Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jackson Homestead
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Jackson Homestead
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Newton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1809 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000306 |
| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1973 |
The Jackson Homestead is an old house in Newton, Massachusetts. It's located at 527 Washington Street in the area called Newton Corner. This historic house was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War.
The house was built in 1809 by Timothy Jackson. His son, William Jackson, lived there from 1820 until he passed away. William Jackson was an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. He was also involved in government at local, state, and national levels. He even served in the United States Congress from 1833 to 1837. The Jackson family lived in the home until 1932. In 1949, the house was given to the city of Newton. The Newton History Museum opened there in 1950.
Contents
A Long History of the Homestead
The First Jackson Home
Back in 1646, a man named Edward Jackson bought a large farm. It was about 500 acres and covered much of what is now Newton Corner and Newtonville. Around 1670, he built a house on this land. This first house was a "saltbox" style, meaning it had two stories in the front and one in the back. It was never painted, inside or out.
The house had two kitchens and a bedroom downstairs. There were two rooms upstairs and two more bedrooms in the attic. Water came from a well near a big elm tree. Later, Edward's son or grandson added more space to the house. It was common for two generations of a family to live in the same house, so the extra space was likely for a second family.
Building the New Homestead
In 1809, Major Timothy Jackson, a descendant of Edward, decided to build a new house. He wanted a modern home for his family. He designed and helped build the large house himself. He hoped his youngest son, Edmund, might move in if he got married.
This new house was a big improvement from the old one. It had an inside well, a laundry room, and a storage area. There were grand fireplaces with huge mantelpieces. A large staircase led to airy, private bedrooms upstairs. The entire house also had a useful attic space. This is the house we know today as the Jackson Homestead.
Family Life and Changes
After Timothy Jr. passed away, his property was divided among his sons. William Jackson bought parts of the land from his brothers. He made a deal with Francis and Stephen. They took the land south of Washington Street, and William received the homestead and everything to the north.
The house was changed to fit William's large family. Bedrooms were created and split to make more space. The house was painted yellow with cream trim and green shutters, just like it looks today. In the 1830s, central heating was even added to the home.
Modern Updates to the House
By the 1900s, the Jackson Homestead started using city water instead of its indoor well. William's granddaughter, Louise Keith, led major updates. Modern plumbing was put in the bathroom and kitchen. These were connected to the city's sewer system.
Wooden beams in the ceilings were strengthened with metal supports. Seventy-six new glass panels were put into the windows. The inside of the house was repainted. For the first time, the outside of the house was painted white.
In 1949, Frances (Hatch) Paine gave the homestead to the City of Newton. She wanted it to be used for learning, fun, and other public activities. The Homestead became the City Museum. More changes were made, including updates to the attached wing of the house in 1966.
The Homestead Today
Today, the Jackson Homestead is a museum called the Jackson Homestead and Museum. It is run by an organization called Historic Newton. Their goal is to help people discover and learn about Newton's history. They also show how Newton's stories fit into the bigger picture of American history.
The Jackson Homestead and Museum has different exhibits. Some exhibits are permanent, and others change over time. They teach visitors about the history of Newton, Massachusetts, and the important role of the Underground Railroad. The museum also keeps the historical records and archives of Historic Newton.
On June 4, 1973, the Jackson Homestead was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
See also
