Josiah Quincy House facts for kids
|
Josiah Quincy House
|
|
The Josiah Quincy House, Quincy, Massachusetts
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Quincy, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1770 |
| Architect | Pierce, Deacon Edward |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000285 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | September 25, 1997 |
The Josiah Quincy House, located in the Wollaston area of Quincy, Massachusetts, was once the country home of Colonel Josiah Quincy I. He was a brave soldier during the American Revolutionary War. Josiah Quincy I was the first of six important men in his family named Josiah Quincy. This family included three mayors of Boston and even a president of Harvard University.
Contents
A Look Back: The House's Story
Building a Home in 1770
Josiah Quincy built this large house in 1770. He inherited the land, which was a big farm called "Lower Farm," from his father. The Quincy family had owned this land since 1635.
When it was first built, the house was surrounded by open fields and pastures. It also had great views of Quincy Bay. The house has a very special and unusual roof style called a hipped monitor roof. It's the oldest known example of this type of roof in the original American colonies. The house also features a fancy railing and a grand entrance. In the attic, there are four small rooms that were used by servants. One of these rooms even has its own fireplace!
Spies and Secrets: The Revolution Connection
During the American Revolution, Josiah Quincy I played an important role. He helped General George Washington by watching the British ships in Boston Harbor. He would often watch from the attic windows of his house.
He even wrote a note on a glass pane in the attic. It said, "October 10, 1775 Governor Gage saild for England with a fair wind." This special glass pane has been saved. You can still see it today in the front hall of the house!
Saving History: The House Today
Over the years, the Josiah Quincy House changed owners. In 1937, it was given to a group called the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. This group works to save old buildings.
Today, the house is owned by Historic New England, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to history. The house is open to visitors only a few times a year. It is also open for special tours if you make an appointment. In 1997, the house was named a National Historic Landmark. This is a very important title given to places that are special because of their history or architecture, or because of the important people connected to them.
See also
- Josiah Quincy Mansion
- Dorothy Quincy House
- Quincy family
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Massachusetts
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Quincy, Massachusetts
