Old Manse | Concord

Information

Landmark: Old Manse
City: Concord
Country: USA Massachusetts
Continent: North America

Old Manse, Concord, USA Massachusetts, North America

The Old Manse is a historic house located in Concord, Massachusetts. It served as a residence for prominent American writers and thinkers.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-and-a-half-story Georgian-style house constructed primarily of wood. It features a symmetrical facade with a central entrance and dormer windows on the gambrel roof. The exterior is painted white with dark green shutters.

Location & Access Logistics

The Old Manse is situated at 269 Monument Street in Concord, Massachusetts. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Concord Center. Parking is available on-site. Public transport options include the MBTA Commuter Rail to Concord Station, followed by a 1.5-mile walk or a local taxi service.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Old Manse was completed in 1770. It was built by Reverend William Emerson Sr. and served as the parsonage for the Second Church of Concord. The house is historically significant as the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne during crucial periods of their lives and literary careers.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the interior are offered, detailing the lives of its famous residents. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include gardens and a view of the Concord River. The house is a focal point for understanding the Transcendentalist movement.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the property. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the Old Manse; dining options are available in Concord Center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography of the exterior is during the morning or late afternoon when sunlight provides optimal illumination. The house is open for tours from April through October. Weather is most favorable for visiting the grounds during late spring and early autumn.

Facts & Legends

During the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the Old Manse was occupied by Reverend William Emerson Sr., who observed the fighting from its windows. He famously described the events in a letter to his wife, detailing the "great guns" and the "smoke of the cannon."