Newburyport in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Caleb Cushing House

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

1. Caleb Cushing House Marker

Inscription.
has been designated a
National
Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America

1974
[Second marker]
Cushing House
Home of
Margaret Cushing
1855-1955

Erected by National Park Service (top marker) • Governor John Endecott Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century (bottom marker).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Women. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.

Location. 42° 48.389′ N, 70° 52.219′ W. Marker is in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It is at the intersection of High Street (Massachusetts Route 1A) and Fruit Street, on the right when traveling north on High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 98 High St, Newburyport MA 01950, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ North Shore,

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in Greater Boston,

and in the Merrimack Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dalton House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bombshell (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Memory of the Officers and Men (approx. ¼ mile away); The Bartlet Mall (approx. ¼ mile away); Within Lie Buried (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fighting for “Double Victory:” Newburyport's Black Soldiers and Sailors (approx. 0.3 miles away); Market Square Tea Burning (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mrs. Elizabeth Morse (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newburyport.

Regarding Caleb Cushing House. Excerpts from the National Historic Landmark nomination:

William Hunt began construction of the house sometime after he purchased the land in 1808 but died before it was completed.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

2. Cushing House Marker
Purchased by John Cushing [Caleb's father, in 1818], it remained in that family for three generations. The square, three-story brick house with cupola is a fine example of Federal architecture.…

Caleb Cushing, diplomat and politician, played an instrumental role in securing the position of the United States in China. In negotiating the treaty of Wanghia in 1844, he secured for the United States diplomatic and trade privileges equal to that of every major colonial power recognized by China and in so doing laid the foundation for American imperial interests in the Far East. …

In addition to this diplomatic success, Cushing pursued an active political and legal career. He is particularly noted for his pioneering insistence on preserving public office from the taint of conflict of interest and was the first [U.S.] Attorney General to sever all connections with his private legal practice.

Margaret Cushing
Caleb Cushing's niece, she was born in the house in 1855 and lived there until her death at 100 in 1955. The last Cushing to live in the house, she made very few changes to it during her lifetime, thereby maintaining its architectural

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

3. Caleb Cushing House Marker

and historical integrity.

Also see . . . Caleb Cushing House (PDF). National Historic Landmark nomination for the site. (Prepared by Benjamin Levy, National Park Service; via National Archives) (Submitted on November 11, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The Caleb Cushing House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

4. The Caleb Cushing House

It is now known as the Museum of Old Newbury.

Caleb Cushing (1800-1879) image. Click for full size.

Brady-Handy photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (Public Domain), circa 1865/75

5. Caleb Cushing (1800-1879)

He was a four-term Congressman when he began his diplomatic career, which included posts in China, Colombia and Spain. While in Colombia, he negotiated a right-of-way treaty for what eventually became the Panama Canal.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 11, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.