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Survey of
Historic Sites and Buildings
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Adams (John) Birthplace
Massachusetts
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John Adams Birthplace
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Norfolk
County, 133 Franklin Street, Quincy.
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This was the original homestead of the Adams family
and the birthplace of John Adams. Although not architecturally
impressive, it is historically notable as the place where John Adams
grew to manhood. It is adjacent to the John Quincy Adams birthplace.
The original house, a typical New England saltbox
structure of frame construction with a massive central chimney, was
probably built about 1681. It consisted of two lower and two upper
rooms. Extensive alterations were made over the years. The rear lean-to,
built at some unknown date in the 18th century, added two downstairs
rooms and two small upper ones, separated by a large attic.
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John Adams Birthplace.
(National Park Service, Steve Rosenthal,
1976.) |
In 1720 John Adams' father, "Deacon" John Adams,
purchased the house, where in 1735 young John was born. He lived there
until his marriage in 1764. He and his bride moved into a residence next
door that he had inherited from his father in 1761 and 6 years later was
to be the birthplace of his son John Quincy. In 1774 John bought his
birthplace home from his brother. His public duties and legal business
kept him away most of the time. By 1783, when he and his family were in
Europe, tenants resided in both the John Adams and John Quincy Adams
birthplaces. In 1788, when John Adams sailed home, he settled at
"Peacefield," or the "Old House," now Adams National Historic Site, in
another part of Quincy. In 1803 he sold both birthplaces to his son John
Quincy.
The John Adams birthplace remained in the possession
of the Adams family until 1940, when it was deeded to the city of
Quincy. In 1896 the Adamses had given the Adams Chapter, Daughters of
the American Revolution, permission to restore the residence, which the
next year was made accessible to the public. When the Adams Chapter
dissolved in 1950, the Quincy Historical Society took over the
administration. The house is in excellent condition.
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/presidents/site27.htm
Last Updated: 22-Jan-2004
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