Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House

The Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House is a three-story residence on Milton Hill with thick walls, an elliptical staircase, and a cupola offering views of Boston Harbor. It was one of the region's first homes to feature modern indoor plumbing, installed in 1833.

The house was built by brothers Robert Bennet and John Murray Forbes for their mother Margaret Perkins following their brother Thomas's death in a typhoon. The two brothers created a home that reflected their ties to maritime and trading ventures.

The house displays objects from the China Trade era that were gathered by four generations of the Forbes family. Visitors can see old furniture, porcelain, tea sets, and silk fabrics that reflect the family's connections to the Far East.

The house is located on Adams Street in Milton and is accessible to visitors through guided tours. It is helpful to call ahead or check online as opening hours can vary by season.

In 1923, Mary Bowditch Forbes, the home's owner, had a replica of Abraham Lincoln's birth cabin built on the property. This unusual structure was meant to display her personal collection of Lincoln memorabilia and documents.

Location: Milton

Inception: 1833

Architects: Isaiah Rogers

GPS coordinates: 42.26306,-71.06361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05