Pittsfield in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Washington House

c. 1769

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Washington House Marker

Inscription. On this site stood town founder John Cram's house. It was the first frame house built with lumber coming off his mill located at the foot of the hill. In 1782, the first Pittsfield Town Meeting was held here in his inn, which was the heart of the community. It later grew into a four story hotel known for over a century as the Washington House. Seriously damaged by fire in 1984, it was razed in 1993.

Erected 1999 by Pittsfield Historical Society. (Marker Number 21.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, Pittsfield Historical Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.

Location. 43° 18.336′ N, 71° 19.747′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Oak Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Marker is at the corner of the Pittsfield Historical Society, which was built on the once-vacant lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Oak St, Pittsfield NH 03263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

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: Tuttle Block (a few steps from this marker); Jonathan “Jocky” Fogg, Patriot (a few

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steps from this marker); Union Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. R.P.J. Tenney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Wilkins (within shouting distance of this marker); Agents' House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Mill Steam Pump (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsfield.

Also see . . . Pittsfield Historical Trail (PDF). Historical guide for a 1.5-mile loop trail developed by the Pittsfield Historical Society. The trail stops at three dozen historical sites that were typical of New England communities more than a century ago: homes, churches, schools, industrial and commercial buildings as well as dams and bridges. (Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Washington House Marker

The Pittsfield Historical Society building was subsequently built on the site.

Washington House, 1861 image. Click for full size.

via Pittsfield Historical Society (Public Domain), 1861

3. Washington House, 1861

The building would be significantly expanded in the following years, with a two-story piazza added in 1866 and a third floor in 1873.

Washington House, 1980 image. Click for full size.

Roger A. Brevoort (Public Domain), June 18, 1980

4. Washington House, 1980

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 557 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on November 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.