Last updated: June 6, 2024
Place
Adams Farm at Penn's Hill
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Quincy, MA
Significance:
The location of the farm owned by multiple generations of the Adams family. The Adams family lived here during the American Revolutionary War.
The Adams Farm at Penn's Hill is where multiple generations of the Adams family lived and worked. The surroundings have changed a lot since the Adams family lived here. Today, there are two historic homes on this small site that represents a fraction of what was once a large farm.
Deacon John Adams, the father of future president John Adams, was the first Adams to live here. Deacon John purchased the future John Adams Birthplace home and surrounding land in 1720. His son, John Adams, was born in the home in 1735 and grew up on his father's farm. Deacon John later purchased the John Quincy Adams Birthplace home and land in 1744.
When John Adams was a young adult, the farm totaled nearly 100 acres. The farm sat at the foot of Penn's Hill within view of the nearby Blue Hills. John Adams inherited some of the property when his father died. He later purchased the rest from his brother. The family grew crops like corn and raised livestock. The farm had several outbuildings as well as gardens, orchards, and pastures. The nearby brook provided water. John and Abigail Adams lived here with their children and servants off and on until 1788 when they moved to their new property at Peace field.
The farm and houses remained in the family for several generations. At different times, John Quincy Adams and his brother Thomas Boylston Adams lived in them. Otherwise, the family rented the farm out to tenants. The Adams family made significant alterations over the years but the houses stand in their original locations. The two homes were built near each other and near the road connecting Boston and Plymouth (now Franklin St.). The proximity was common to create a sense of community and connection.
Deacon John Adams, the father of future president John Adams, was the first Adams to live here. Deacon John purchased the future John Adams Birthplace home and surrounding land in 1720. His son, John Adams, was born in the home in 1735 and grew up on his father's farm. Deacon John later purchased the John Quincy Adams Birthplace home and land in 1744.
When John Adams was a young adult, the farm totaled nearly 100 acres. The farm sat at the foot of Penn's Hill within view of the nearby Blue Hills. John Adams inherited some of the property when his father died. He later purchased the rest from his brother. The family grew crops like corn and raised livestock. The farm had several outbuildings as well as gardens, orchards, and pastures. The nearby brook provided water. John and Abigail Adams lived here with their children and servants off and on until 1788 when they moved to their new property at Peace field.
The farm and houses remained in the family for several generations. At different times, John Quincy Adams and his brother Thomas Boylston Adams lived in them. Otherwise, the family rented the farm out to tenants. The Adams family made significant alterations over the years but the houses stand in their original locations. The two homes were built near each other and near the road connecting Boston and Plymouth (now Franklin St.). The proximity was common to create a sense of community and connection.