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The John Paul Jones House is a historic house museum located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA.

This 1719 Georgian-style house served as the residence of John Paul Jones during the American Revolutionary War.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-and-a-half-story wooden building with a gambrel roof. Its exterior is painted white with dark green shutters. The facade features a central entrance with a pedimented doorway. The building's dimensions are approximately 40 feet wide by 50 feet deep.

Location & Access Logistics

The John Paul Jones House is situated at 43 Middle Street in Portsmouth, NH. It is approximately 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) south of the downtown commercial district. Limited street parking is available on Middle Street and adjacent side streets. The nearest public transport stop is located on Congress Street, approximately 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) to the north, served by the C&J Bus Lines.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed in 1719 by Captain George Jackson, the house was originally a private residence. John Paul Jones, the naval commander, occupied the house from November 1777 to March 1778 while overseeing the refitting of the USS Ranger. It is now operated as a museum by the Portsmouth Historical Society.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the preserved rooms of the house, which contain period furnishings and artifacts. Exhibits detail the life of John Paul Jones and the history of Portsmouth during the Revolutionary War. The museum offers guided tours led by docents.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided within the museum. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity. No food vendors are located on-site; however, numerous restaurants are within a 0.5 kilometer (0.3 mile) walking distance.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open seasonally, typically from May through October. Weekday mornings generally offer fewer crowds. The best time of day for exterior photography is mid-morning or late afternoon when sunlight provides even illumination on the facade.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that John Paul Jones did not own the house but rented it during his stay in Portsmouth. The house is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city and predates Jones's occupancy by over fifty years.

Nearby Landmarks

• Strawbery Banke Museum (0.3km West)
• The Music Hall (0.5km North)
• Portsmouth Public Library (0.6km North)
• Old North Church (0.7km Northwest)