So, our
final attraction on the 6th day of our trip was the homestead of the
14th President of the United States… This New Hampshire property is
a National Historic Landmark.
The
Franklin Pierce Homestead is in a semi-rural area located close to Hillsborough
on NH Hwy. 31 near its intersection with NH Hwy. 9. The site is operated by the New Hampshire
State Park system.
This
2-story frame and clapboard house was the home of Franklin Pierce from his
infancy until he was married in 1934.
Pierce’s father Benjamin moved here from Massachusetts in 1785 and over
time he accumulated several hundred acres.
In 1804, the year that Franklin was born, Benjamin built this
house.
Entry to
the Pierce Homestead is through an attached red barn. (It had been attached to the home by a subsequent family member) It functions as the visitor’s center and as a
mini museum. Various artifacts and
photos are on display and there is an interesting introductory video that
familiarizes visitors with the home and with the Pierce family.
Pierce’s
one-horse sleigh is proudly displayed in the visitors center as is this large carved statue of
President Franklin Pierce.
Pierce is
sometimes referred to as the ‘forgotten President’. Nevertheless, his career was as full and
diverse as his fathers. After attending
Bowdoin College, he returned home and set up a law practice across the road from
the family homestead. When he was 24 he
entered the New Hampshire Legislature, eventually become its speaker. Then he went to Washington, first as a member
of the House of Representatives and later as a Senator. Service in the Mexican-American War resulting
in Franklin’s promotion to Brigadier General…as well as local fame.
Unfortunately,
photos aren’t allowed inside the Pierce Homestead, even with a smart phone with
the flash turned off. Consequently, I
bought 3 postcards to help show readers some detail of the interior of the
home.
Franklin Pierce’s father, Benjamin, was also man with many endeavors and accomplishments. He served in the Revolutionary War and was
promoted for bravery at the Battle of Saratoga.
In 1805 he was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned command of the
New Hampshire State Militia. In
addition, he served as Sheriff, State Legislator, a delegate to the state’s
constitutional convention, a member of the Governor’s Council and, finally, he
served 2 terms as Governor!
In
addition to all that, he also was a farmer and he operated a tavern in this
house…which became the social center of Hillsborough. The postcard photo above shows the home’s
sitting room…and former tavern room.
This
postcard shows the Pierce Family Dining Room.
Much of the stenciling used throughout the house survives and has been
restored. Original French wallpaper
depicting scenes of the bay at Naples Italy is still extant in the parlor.
This is
the bedroom of President Franklin Pierce’s parents, Benjamin and Anna. The interior of the home features paint in
bright and vivid colors, popular at the time.
Period furniture is on display throughout the home.
The second floor ballroom has a curved table
on display that was used in the State Legislature when Franklin Pierce was the
Speaker. FYI, the ballroom was also
where Benjamin Pierce trained the Hillsborough County Militia.
After his
death in 1839, Franklin’s father Benjamin transferred the family homestead to
his son-in-law John McNeil Jr. McNeil
had married Pierce’s daughter Elizabeth, (Franklin’s half-sister) whose house across
the street (shown above) from the homestead was built in 1807. The front of this home is almost identical to the Pierce Homestead.
FYI, John McNeil Jr. achieved the rank of
Brigadier General for his heroics in the War of 1812. He led a bayonet charge against British
forces at the Battle of Chippewa.
In August
of 1852, the town held a mass rally for Pierce’s presidential campaign. An estimated 25,000 people attended the event! Finally, when Pierce’s single term in office
ended in 1857, he returned to the family homestead. The home remained in the family until 1925
when it was donated to the state of New Hampshire. It’s been totally renovated…
Franklin
Pierce’s presidency was filled with conflict and controversy. He’d been seen as a moderate ‘compromise’
candidate by his party and once in office, his actions and efforts satisfied almost
no one. In the end, his party didn’t re-nominate
him for a second term. He was bitter for
the rest of his days. In general,
historians and presidential scholars rank Pierce as one of the worst and least
memorable U.S. Presidents…hence his reputation as the ‘forgotten President’. To learn more about Franklin Pierce and his
Presidency, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Pierce.
The President
Franklin Pierce Homestead is operated by the Hillsborough Historical
Society. Open hours and days vary. The fees for visitors are a bargain. In-state residents pay $4.00 for adults, seniors
are free. Out of state visitors are
charged $5.00 for adults and seniors. The
museum is located at 301 2nd NH Turnpike in Hillsborough New
Hampshire. Phone: 603-478-3165. Refer to these 2 websites for more detail information: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/historic-sites/franklin-pierce-homestead-historic-site
or the US Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/franklin_pierce_homestead.html.
Just
click on any of the photos to enlarge them…
Thanks
for stopping by for a visit!
Take
Care, Big Daddy Dave
The home is beautiful and kind of different in that it's attached to the barn, more like European homes. Pierce has an interesting background and I enjoyed reading this as I know little about him. He proudly served his country for sure. And every home needs its own tavern! ☺ Thanks for the history lesson and good photos!
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember the barns attached to the homes, when living in Northern Europe. The cows and the horses were often in the same house, the attic was filled with hey which was thrown down for the animals throw an opening them ... Only the pigs were kept somewhat separate … mostly by the wash house and the outhouse and the chicken house. A bigger barn still was used for storing tons of grain bundles, which would be thrashed in the Winter months … pigs would be slaughtered in the Winter as well, and bacon and sausages would be hung and dried high up from the ceiling of said attic right in front of the living quarters, which were in the back of the house … usually 3 rooms: Livingroom, Kitchen and one Bedroom. When my family was not travelling, I spent many Summers with my adopted grandparents in their house and have many happy memories about those times. Uncle Will and aunt Sophie had 2 children of their own, but both kids died young. Margaret, age 4 of polio, and John, age 20 somewhere in Russia. I will never forget the kindness of those 2 farmers. Love, cat.
DeleteI know next to nothing about America's history, friend David … so thanking you "for learning me something today" … smiles … Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteDear Dave, I love reading your posts. I always learn something. Such a beautiful home. All my best to Laurie. Take care, Catherine
ReplyDeleteSo lovely old-fashioned rooms! My favorite subject in high school was American History so I really enjoy looking at your pictures David. Have a nice day!
ReplyDelete