Medford in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Peter Tufts (Cradock) House
Photographed By Matt Gilbertson, May 23, 2012
1. The Peter Tufts (Cradock) House Marker
Inscription.
The Peter Tufts (Cradock) House. . Known for many years as the Cradock House because it was thought to have been built in 1634 for Matthew Cradock, the construction of the house is now attributed to Peter Tufts. Although the exact date of its origin is obscure, it is known to pre-date 1677. Many historians consider it to be the oldest all-brick house in America. It has been called the “Fort” and the “Garrison House” because of its thick walls and portholes. In the late 1880’s General Samuel Lawrence saved the “Old Garrison” from destruction when he purchased it as a wedding gift for his niece and had the interior remodeled. In 1892 a likeness of the Tufts House was placed upon the city seal of the newly-incorporated City of Medford. The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities acquired and managed the house for the next fifty years. With encouragement from Joseph V. Valeriani and aid from the people of Medford and the Tufts family, the Medford Historical Society purchased the building in 1980. The Society and the City of Medford now maintain this historical landmark. The Tufts House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Known for many years as the Cradock House because it was thought to have been built in 1634 for Matthew Cradock, the construction of the house is now attributed to Peter Tufts. Although the exact date of its origin is obscure, it is known to pre-date 1677. Many historians consider it to be the oldest all-brick house in America. It has been called the “Fort” and the “Garrison House” because of its thick walls and portholes. In the late 1880’s General Samuel Lawrence saved the “Old Garrison” from destruction when he purchased it as a wedding gift for his niece and had the interior remodeled. In 1892 a likeness of the Tufts House was placed upon the city seal of the newly-incorporated City of Medford. The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities acquired and managed the house for the next fifty years. With encouragement from Joseph V. Valeriani and aid from the people of Medford and the Tufts family, the Medford Historical Society purchased the building in 1980. The Society and the City of Medford now maintain this historical landmark. The Tufts House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 1989 by Medford Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era
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• Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1634.
Location. 42° 24.686′ N, 71° 5.607′ W. Marker is in Medford, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Riverside Ave and Rockwell Ave, on the right when traveling west on Riverside Ave. Marker is on the front lawn of the house to the right of the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 Riverside Ave, Medford MA 02155, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The oldest house in America; built about 1634 by Matthew Cradock, the first Governor of the Massachusetts Colony.
from Young Folks' History of America, by Hezekiah Butterworth, 1870,
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2012, by Matt Gilbertson of Medford, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 1,066 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2012, by Matt Gilbertson of Medford, Massachusetts. 3. submitted on April 11, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
