Cambridge in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Oldest House in Cambridge
1630 – 1930
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, May 31, 2011
1. Oldest House in Cambridge Marker
At Number 21 Linnaean Street is the Cooper-Austin House built in 1657 at what was then the northern end of the Cambridge Cow Common, by John Cooper, selectman, town clerk, and deacon of the church.Erected 1930 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Massachusetts Bay Colony—Tercentenary Commission Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1657.
Location. 42° 23.096′ N, 71° 7.174′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue (Massachusetts Route 2A) and Linnaean Street, on the right when traveling south on Massachusetts Avenue. The marker is between Porter Square and Harvard Square. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Maria Baldwin (approx. ¼ mile away); William H. Lewis (approx. 0.4 miles away); Revolutionary War Skirmish
this page online
Regarding Oldest House in Cambridge. The 1930 inscription appears to need revision. More recent research has dated much of the house’s structure to Samuel Cooper in 1681, and it is now known as the Cooper-Frost-Austin House. But it is still believed to be the oldest house in Cambridge.
Also see . . .
1. Cooper-Frost-Austin House. This Wikipedia entry helps explain why the house has been known by different names and dates. (Submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
2. Historical Markers Erected by Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission (1930). Original 1930 publication by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Tercentenary Commission Markers, commemorating the three hundredth anniversary
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, May 31, 2011
2. Marker Beside Massachusetts Avenue
The marker, which reads the same on both sides, sits by the yard of a modern apartment complex that is unrelated to it.
3. Cambridge Historical Society. The Cambridge Historical Society has been a repository of history and culture for over 100 years. We are an active non-profit organization and are dedicated to promoting an interest in all aspects of the history and heritage of Cambridge. (Submitted on September 8, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts.)
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, June 2, 2011
3. Oldest House Itself
Located several blocks west of the marker, Cambridge’s oldest house is at 21 Linnaean Street. Today it is called the Cooper-Frost-Austin House.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 990 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
