Pierce Manse facts for kids
The Pierce Manse is a special historic house in Concord, New Hampshire. It was once the home of Franklin Pierce, who became the 14th president of the United States. He lived here from 1842 to 1848, which was a few years before he became president.
Life at the Manse
Franklin Pierce and his wife, Jane Pierce, moved into this house. Jane had encouraged him to leave his job as a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C.. They owned the home for six years, from 1842 to 1848.
While living here, Pierce worked as a lawyer again. He also served as a district attorney and led the Democratic Party in New Hampshire. He helped James K. Polk become president. As a thank you, Polk made Pierce the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire in 1845.
In May 1845, Pierce visited his friend, the famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne and his wife, Sophia, lived in The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts. Sophia Hawthorne liked Pierce very much. She wrote that he had a "loveliness and truth of character."
In 1846, President Polk offered Pierce a big job as the United States Attorney General. But Pierce said no because his wife was not well. That same year, a war started with Mexico. Pierce joined the army as a private and quickly became a general. He was hurt during a battle and left the army by 1848.
Saving a Piece of History
In 1971, the Pierce Manse was almost torn down. This was part of a plan to rebuild parts of the city. But local people decided 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 building was moved from Montgomery Street to its current spot. Today, it stands at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane. The house opened to the public in 1974.
You can visit the Pierce Manse and take a guided tour. Tours are available from mid-June to October. The Pierce Brigade still helps to run and care for this important historic home.
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
