Pierce Manse facts for kids
The Pierce Manse is an old house in Concord, New Hampshire, that is now a museum. It was once the home of Franklin Pierce, who became the 14th president of the United States. He lived in this house from 1842 to 1848, a few years before he became president.
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What is the Pierce Manse?
The Pierce Manse is a special house because of its history. It was built a long time ago and has been kept safe so people can visit it today. It helps us learn about the past and the people who lived there.
Why Franklin Pierce Lived Here
Franklin Pierce and his wife, Jane Pierce, moved into this house in 1842. Jane wanted Franklin to leave his job as a Senator in Washington, D.C., so they moved to Concord. Franklin started working as a lawyer again. He also helped the Democratic Party and supported James K. Polk when Polk ran for president. Because of his help, Polk later made Pierce a special lawyer for the state of New Hampshire in 1845.
Pierce's Life While in the Manse
While living in the Pierce Manse, Franklin Pierce also spent time with his friends. In 1845, he visited his friend, the famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Hawthorne's wife, Sophia. Sophia thought Pierce was a kind and honest person.
In 1846, the Mexican–American War began. Franklin Pierce joined the army as a regular soldier. He was quickly promoted to a high rank, becoming a brigadier general. He was injured during a battle and left the army by 1848.
Saving the Pierce Manse
In 1971, the Pierce Manse was almost torn down because of a city building project. But local people wanted to save it! They formed a group called the "Pierce Brigade." This group worked hard to raise money to buy the house.
Because of their efforts, the house was moved from its original spot on Montgomery Street to its current location at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane. This happened in 1971. The Pierce Manse was then opened to the public as a museum in 1974.
Today, the Pierce Manse is still managed by the Pierce Brigade. You can take guided tours of the house from the middle of June until October. It's a great way to learn about Franklin Pierce and life in the past!
See also
- Franklin Pierce Homestead, an earlier home of Franklin Pierce
- Franklin Pierce House (South Main Street, Concord, New Hampshire), where Pierce died
- List of residences of presidents of the United States
- List of National Historic Landmarks in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 125: The Pierce Manse
