Mid-Cambridge in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Wadsworth House
Bvilt 1726
Occvpied by
the college presidents
from Wadsworth
to Everett
and in Jvly 1775
by Washington
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Education • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1775.
Location. 42° 22.395′ N, 71° 7.083′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is in Mid-Cambridge. Marker is on Massachusetts Avenue (Massachusetts Route 2A) west of Holyoke Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1341 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA 02138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Shepard (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Wadsworth House (a few steps from this marker); Joseph McKean (within shouting distance of this marker); Near this spot… (within shouting distance of this marker); The McKean Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth Meeting House (within shouting distance of this
this page online
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 28, 2023
3. Temporary signage on the grounds of the house
Work is underway by skilled craftspeople to refurbish the window shutters of this historic building and restore them to their original condition.
Built in 1726, Wadsworth House is the second oldest surviving building on the Harvard campus. It was built as the official home of Harvard President Benjamin Wadsworth. The previous President's House, built by President Dunster, was on or near the site of Massachusetts Hall.
The new house was funded by the colonial legislature, and served as a presidential residence for 9 Harvard presidents over more than 100 years. Edward Everett was the last president to use the house as a dwelling.
In 1775 during the siege of Boston, Wadsworth House was the temporary headquarters of Generals George Washington and Charles Lee. From 1849 to 1900 the building was used as student housing. Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson lived in the house as a student. It is the only wood-sheathed building in Harvard Yard, and today houses administrative offices.
Built in 1726, Wadsworth House is the second oldest surviving building on the Harvard campus. It was built as the official home of Harvard President Benjamin Wadsworth. The previous President's House, built by President Dunster, was on or near the site of Massachusetts Hall.
The new house was funded by the colonial legislature, and served as a presidential residence for 9 Harvard presidents over more than 100 years. Edward Everett was the last president to use the house as a dwelling.
In 1775 during the siege of Boston, Wadsworth House was the temporary headquarters of Generals George Washington and Charles Lee. From 1849 to 1900 the building was used as student housing. Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson lived in the house as a student. It is the only wood-sheathed building in Harvard Yard, and today houses administrative offices.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
