Harvard Square in Cambridge in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Nathaniel Eaton & Edward Goffe Houses
Near this spot as indicated in the street pavement stood when the College was founded two houses.
To the East
The house occupied by Nathaniel Eaton first teacher of the college 1638 - 1639 while the College Hall was building.
To the West
The house of Edward Goffe acquired by the College before 1654 used as a dormitory and known as Goffe's College.
Erected by Harvard University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1638.
Location. 42° 22.401′ N, 71° 7.102′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is in Harvard Square. It is at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue (Massachusetts Route 2A) and Dunster Street, on the right when traveling west on Massachusetts Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1351 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA 02138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wadsworth House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Wadsworth House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Daye (within shouting distance of this marker); Cambridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Shepard (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph McKean (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian College (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.
More about this marker. The slate tablet with the marker's main text is mounted in the "Class of 1857 Gate," one of the several named entrances to Harvard Yard. The specific locations of the two houses, "indicated in the street pavement," are marked with heavy brass plates embedded in the traffic lanes of Massachusetts Avenue.
Photographed by R.J. OHara, July 3, 2025
3. Brass plate for Edward Goffe House
This heavy brass plate marks the corner of the Edward Goffe House. It is embedded in the pavement of Massachusetts Avenue.
Photographed by R.J. OHara, July 3, 2025
4. Brass plate for Nathaniel Eaton House
This heavy brass plate marks the corner of the Nathaniel Eaton House. It is embedded in the pavement of Massachusetts Avenue.
Photographed by R.J. OHara, July 3, 2025
5. Brass plate for Nathaniel Eaton House
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on July 8, 2025, by R.J. OHara of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 8, 2025, by R.J. OHara of Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
