Brick Store, on the NRHP in New Hampshire
The Brick Store is the oldest continuously operating general store in the United States, located on Lisbon Road in Bath, New Hampshire. This two-story brick building with simple, balanced architecture dates from around 1804 and is the only surviving commercial building from the Federal period in Bath.
The store was established around 1804 and suffered a fire in 1824 that required repairs, possibly adding Greek-style decorative elements during restoration. It served as Bath's post office until 1942 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places to preserve its importance.
The store served as a gathering place where townspeople met to share news and conduct community affairs. Today it continues to function as a social hub where locals gather and visitors experience a space deeply woven into the everyday life of Bath.
The store is located on Lisbon Road in the upper part of Bath and is most accessible during daytime hours when most visitors are out and about. It is closed on Mondays but opens early and stays open until evening on most other days.
The store sells maple syrup in bottles that play one of the songs by famous singer Patti Page when uncapped, as she lived part-time nearby. These musical souvenirs represent a surprising connection between a small-town store and a national recording star.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
