Old Chelmsford Garrison House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Chelmsford Garrison House Complex
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Old Chelmsford Garrison House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 105 Garrison Road, Chelmsford, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1691 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000289 |
| Added to NRHP | May 8, 1973 |
The Old Chelmsford Garrison House is a very old and special house in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. It is the oldest house in Chelmsford. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about history. The Garrison House Society takes care of it. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is an important historical site.
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What is the Old Chelmsford Garrison House?
The Old Chelmsford Garrison House is a historic building. It shows what homes were like long ago in Massachusetts. It is known as the oldest house in the town of Chelmsford. People can visit it to see how families lived centuries ago.
A Look Back in Time: The House's History
The exact year the house was built is a bit of a mystery. Some people believe it was built before 1691. They think it might have been one of the "garrison houses" in Chelmsford. Garrison houses were strong homes that could be defended during attacks.
However, old land records from 1702 do not mention a house on the property. The land was passed down through the Adams family. Thomas Adams gave the land to his son, Peletiah, in 1683. Peletiah then gave it to his two sons in 1702. It is likely that Peletiah's sons built the house. Experts who study old buildings also think the house was built after 1700. They also believe it was probably not used as a fortified garrison house.
A Well-Preserved Piece of History
For a very long time, only three families owned this house. This is quite unusual for such an old building! Because of this, not many changes were made to the house over the years. This means it looks very much like it did when it was first built. This makes it a great place to see history up close.
In 1952, the Garrison House Society took over the house. They have worked hard to keep it preserved as a museum.
Exploring the Garrison House Complex Today
The Old Chelmsford Garrison House is not just one building. It is part of a complex of historical structures. On the same property, you can find other interesting buildings. There is a barn and a summer kitchen. You can also see a working blacksmith shop. A blacksmith is someone who shapes metal using heat and tools.
There is also an herb garden, where different plants are grown. A craft house is also on the property. In 2004, another old house, called the "Hill Jock House," was moved to the complex. It was saved from being torn down. All these buildings together help visitors imagine life in the past.
See also
- List of historic houses in Massachusetts
- List of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Middlesex County, Massachusetts
