Jacob Whittemore House in Minute Man National Historical Park
The Jacob Whittemore House was built sometime between 1716 and 1722 by Jacob Whittemore’s father. It is one of eleven houses within Minute Man National Historical Park that existed when the Battles of Lexington and Concord took place on April 19, 1775. The National Park Service calls it a “witness house,” but other than being old and standing on the grounds of the battlefield, there is nothing special about it—no famous people lived here and no historic events took place inside.
The house is located in the Battle Road Unit of the park, just a tenth-of-a-mile walk from the Minute Man Visitor Center. The wide, gravel path that leads from the parking lot to the Visitor Center continues on to Marrett Street, and the Whittemore House is on the other side of the road. There is no parking at the house, so you can only get to it by walking from the Visitor Center or by hiking or biking the Battle Road Trail.
The Whittemore House is open to the public on a limited basis from mid-June through late August when staffing allows. Get the current schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Minute Man National Historical Park. If no schedule is given, call the park and ask: (978) 369-6993.
Inside the Jacob Whittemore House at Minute Man National Historical Park
The Whittemore House is not decorated with period furniture, though there is some modern furniture inside for use as display tables for educational activities, most of which are geared for children. Information panels give the history of the house and the Whittemore Family, and Rangers and volunteers dressed in period costume are on hand to answer questions. Rangers also give lectures a few times each day about what life was like for citizens living along Battle Road when the fighting broke out.
Activities for children inside the Jacob Whittemore House at Minute Man National Historical Park
For those interested in architecture, the ceiling beams and some in the wall have been left exposed, allowing you to see how the early houses were constructed.
Chimney and beams behind the fireplace inside the Jacob Whittemore House at Minute Man National Historical Park
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Last updated on September 5, 2023
