General Benjamin Lincoln House

The Benjamin Lincoln House at 181 North Street is a two-and-a-half-story wooden structure with seven bays, a side-gable roof, and two interior chimneys. The building preserves its original architectural elements from the colonial period.

The house was built in 1665 by Thomas Lincoln and served as the birthplace and residence of Major General Benjamin Lincoln. Lincoln played a key role in the American Revolution, accepting the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.

The house remained in the same family for eleven generations before the Hingham Historical Society acquired it in 2020. This continuity of ownership reflects how colonial homes often stayed within families across centuries.

The house is open to visitors, with tours conducted by the Hingham Historical Society. It is helpful to check ahead for visiting times, as tour availability varies by season.

Major General Lincoln lived with narcolepsy during the American Revolution, a condition that could have hindered his command. His aide William Jackson stood by him with notable dignity, helping ensure Lincoln's achievements were recognized.

Location: Hingham

GPS coordinates: 42.24306,-70.89306

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:42