The Old Manse

The Old Manse is a two-story Georgian clergy house with large windows, wooden floors, and several fireplaces distributed throughout the interior. The rooms are furnished with 18th and 19th century pieces, while the surrounding garden stretches toward the Concord River.

The residence was built in 1769 for Reverend William Emerson, grandfather of philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. From this property, observers could witness the first battle of the American Revolution at North Bridge in 1775.

Ralph Waldo Emerson composed the first draft of Nature in the upstairs study, shaping the foundations of Transcendentalist thought. Nathaniel Hawthorne and his wife Sophia lived here from 1842 to 1845, drawing inspiration from the rooms and grounds for his own literary work.

Guided visits through the furnished rooms and garden take place daily between April and October, offering insight into 18th and 19th century living. The rooms are spread across two floors, with some stairs required to access the upper chambers.

Previous residents etched messages into window panes using diamond rings, creating permanent records of their thoughts and experiences. These engraved panes remain visible in several windows throughout the residence, offering a direct glimpse into the daily lives of the writers and their families.

Location: Concord

Inception: 1769

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Address: 269 Monument Street

GPS coordinates: 42.46833,-71.34944

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28