Stepping back into 1774 America feels like opening a time capsule. Imagine walking the halls where a Founding Father once lived, worked, and shaped history. The Josiah Bartlett House in Kingston, New Hampshire, offers just that—a rare glimpse into colonial life tied to one of the Declaration of Independence’s signers. Josiah Bartlett was not just a physician but a passionate rebel and the second signer of the Declaration after John Hancock. His home, a 2.5-story wood-frame structure on Main Street, stands proudly opposite the Kingston Town Hall. Built after a devastating fire, it blends sturdy colonial roots with later elegant Greek Revival touches.
Architectural Highlights
Original 1774 Design
The Josiah Bartlett House is a classic example of colonial architecture. The main block of the house is five bays wide and three bays deep, standing 2.5 stories tall. It’s a wood-frame structure that reflects the period’s symmetry and simplicity.
The house was built after a fire destroyed Bartlett’s previous residence, symbolizing resilience and renewal. The design features balanced windows and a centered front door, embodying the colonial ideal of order and proportion. This was not just a home but a statement of strength during uncertain times.
The house’s original form captures the essence of 1774 colonial architecture—functional yet elegant, built to last through the challenges of a young America.
19th-Century Greek Revival Additions
In the 1800s, the house received stylish upgrades that incorporated popular Greek Revival elements. These additions include:
- Corner pilasters that frame the building’s edges.
- Projecting lintels above select windows, adding depth and character.
- A front door surrounded by pilasters and topped with a decorative cornice.
- A two-story rear ell extends the living space.
These features gave the house a fresh, fashionable look while respecting its colonial roots. To better understand the blend, here’s a comparison table:
Feature Original Colonial Greek Revival Addition
Windows Multi-pane sashes Lintels over select windows
Entry Simple surround Pilasters + cornice
Rear Extension None Two-story ell
This mix of styles makes the Josiah Bartlett House stand out among Kingston’s historic homes, showcasing the evolution of its architecture.
Interior Features
While the house remains a private residence today, historical context allows us to imagine its interior. The home likely included:
- A physician’s office, where Bartlett would have seen patients and stored medical supplies.
- Cozy family parlors for gatherings and discussions.
- Functional kitchens and bedrooms reflecting 18th-century living.
These rooms would have been both practical and comfortable, blending the needs of a busy public figure with those of a family man.
Historical Significance
National Historic Landmark
The Josiah Bartlett House earned its National Historic Landmark status in 1971, a recognition reserved for places of exceptional historical importance. This designation highlights the house’s direct connection to Bartlett, a key figure in America’s founding.
What makes this house especially rare is that it remains intact and privately owned by Bartlett’s descendants. Many other Founding Fathers’ homes have become museums or public sites, but this one preserves a personal family legacy alongside national history.
This landmark status ensures the house is protected and celebrated as a vital piece of New Hampshire’s—and America’s—heritage.
Kingston NH Context
Kingston, located in Rockingham County, is more than just a quiet New England town. It was a hotbed of revolutionary activity and political thought during the 18th century. The Josiah Bartlett House sits prominently on Main Street, directly across from the Town Hall, anchoring the town’s historic district.
Today, Kingston is a popular stop for those exploring Historic America road trips and tours focused on the homes of Declaration signers. The Bartlett House serves as a tangible link to the past, connecting visitors with the spirit of revolution and community that shaped the nation.
Visiting Today
Location and Access
The Josiah Bartlett House is located at:
163 Main Street, Kingston, NH 03848
As a private residence, the house is not open to the public for tours. However, visitors can admire its exterior from the street, appreciating its architectural details and historic presence. Nearby, you’ll find the Kingston Town Hall and several charming local inns, making the area a pleasant stop for history lovers.
Virtual and Nearby Tours
For those eager to explore more, the New Hampshire Historical Society offers drives and resources that highlight Bartlett’s home alongside other historic sites. Some apps offer augmented reality overlays that bring history to life right on your phone.
Consider pairing your visit with other Founding Fathers’ Modern homes in the region for a full road trip experience. This way, you can immerse yourself in the stories and places that shaped early America.
Preservation Efforts
The Bartlett family descendants actively maintain the house, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The home is also listed on the New Hampshire Register of Historic Places, which helps protect its architectural integrity and historical value.
Cultural Legacy
In Pop Culture and Media
The Josiah Bartlett House has appeared in various books and local media, including photo features in the Union Leader newspaper. It’s often included in road trip guides for fans of the Founding Fathers, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
These mentions help keep Bartlett’s story alive, inspiring new generations to appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of America’s early leaders.
Modern Inspirations
The house also offers lessons for today’s real estate and restoration communities. Preserving historic homes like Bartlett’s boosts local economies through tourism and fosters a sense of pride in community heritage.
For homeowners interested in colonial-style restoration, the Josiah Bartlett House serves as a model of blending original charm with thoughtful updates. Investing in historical tourism and preservation can be both rewarding and profitable.
Josiah Bartlett House: Short FAQ
Q: Is the Josiah Bartlett House open to the public?
A: No, the house is a private residence and is not normally open for public tours .
Q: Where is the Josiah Bartlett House located?
A: It is located in Kingston, New Hampshire, on Main Street opposite the Town Hall.
Q: Who was Josiah Bartlett?
A: Josiah Bartlett was a physician, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and later Governor of New Hampshire .
Q: When was the Josiah Bartlett House built?
A: The current house was built in 1774 after Bartlett’s previous home was destroyed by fire.
Q: Has the house remained in the Bartlett family?
A: Yes, it has been continuously lived in by Bartlett’s descendants since 1776, making it unique among signer homes.
Q: Is the house currently for sale?
A: As of recent reports, the house was listed for sale and may leave the Bartlett family for the first time since it was built.
Q: What are some notable interior features of the house?
A: The house includes a parlor used for gatherings, an old kitchen now serving as a dining room, and a den likely used as Bartlett’s doctor’s office.
Where Does Josiah Bartlett Currently Live?
Josiah Bartlett, a modern individual, currently lives in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Josiah Bartlett House Photos
