North End in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
North Square Houses, 1715
This courtyard is the site of the Barnard House, built at the same time as the Revere House as part of a row of three similar wooden dwellings. The three houses were built after the great fire of November, 1676, had ravaged the neighborhood. Puritan minister Increase Mather, whose house had stood where the Revere House now stands, recorded the events of that “Fatal and dismal day” in his journal.
The Barnards were master housewrights and carpenters for generations. They had lived in North Square before the fire, and descendants still lived in the house over a century later. Matthew Barnard probably built the three-house row, including his family’s house on the south, the Revere House (then occupied by merchant Robert Howard), and the Wyborne House on the north.
Paul Revere purchased the middle house in 1770. He and his family lived here during the Revolution, and sold the house in 1800. Of the three houses built by the Barnards only the Revere House survives. Both the Wynborne and Barnard houses were destroyed by the 1880s for development. Now over 300 years old, the Revere House is unique as the only surviving example of urban architecture from 17th century America. Its strength is a testament to the skill of early Boston builders.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1676.
Location. 42° 21.822′ N, 71° 3.227′ W. Marker is in Boston, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County. It is in North End. Marker can be reached from North Square, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in the courtyard just south of the Paul Revere House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 North Square, Boston MA 02113, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Paul Revere House (here, next to this marker); Moses Pierce-Hichborn House (here, next to this marker); Here Lived Paul Revere (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Paul Revere House (a few steps from this marker); North Square (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Paul Revere House (within shouting distance of this marker); Garden Court Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Mansion of Gov. Hutchinson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.
More about this marker. The top of the marker contains a drawing by Sarah Wyborne of the three houses mentioned in the marker. These include the house of Moses Pierce, glazier; John Barnard, housewright; and Robert Howard, merchant.
Also see . . .
1. The Paul Revere House website. Website homepage (Submitted on May 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Paul Revere House. Details of the Freedom Trail from the City of Boston website. (Submitted on May 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,312 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 23, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.