Goodwood, historic place in Richmond, Massachusetts, United States of America
Goodwood is a two-story wooden house in Richmond, Massachusetts, built around 1792 and showcasing Federal-style architecture from the late Georgian period. The structure features symmetrical windows, a front porch with sidelights, and a semicircular gable window, while the interior contains a central hall plan with two fireplaces and rooms with detailed architectural elements.
The house was built in 1792 by Jeremiah Pierson and passed through several owners including Reverend Edwin Welles Dwight from 1820, known for his connection to early missionary work, and geologist Stephen Reed, who studied glacial formations. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, recognizing its importance in early American architecture.
The house was named Goodwood in 1896 after an English estate, creating a connection between local and British architectural traditions. This naming reflects how early 19th-century American homes drew inspiration from European design and culture.
The house can be viewed from the street during daylight hours, with parking available nearby in the quiet residential area. Since it remains a private residence, visitors should respect the occupants' privacy while appreciating the exterior from the public right of way.
The house was home to Reverend Edwin Welles Dwight, who wrote about a South Sea Islander named Henry Obookiah and inspired the first missionary expeditions to Hawaii. This unexpected connection shows how a quiet Massachusetts residence played a role in early American missionary history across the Pacific.
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