Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden treasure in your own backyard? In the heart of Concord, New Hampshire, stands a modest house with an extraordinary story. The Pierce Manse, once home to the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce, invites visitors to step back in time and explore a pivotal era in American history.
Key Takeaways
– The Pierce Manse in Concord, New Hampshire, was the home of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, from 1842 to 1848.
– The house is an example of Greek Revival architecture, popular in New England between 1830 and 1850.
– The Pierce Brigade saved the house in 1971, moving it to its current location at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane.
– The Manse opened to the public in 1974 and offers guided tours from mid-June to October, with year-round appointments available.
– Visitors can explore 19th-century design elements and artifacts that illustrate Franklin Pierce’s life and times.
– The guided tours provide insights into Pierce’s military service, political career, and presidency from 1853 to 1857.
– The Manse helps contextualize Pierce’s presidency, including his challenges with the Kansas-Nebraska Act and slavery.
– The Pierce Manse is a significant part of Concord’s historical heritage, connecting local and national history.
A Glimpse into the Past
Franklin Pierce, New Hampshire’s native son, left an indelible mark on both state and national politics. The Pierce Manse, where he resided from 1842 to 1848, offers a unique window into his life before becoming president. This Greek Revival style home, originally located on Montgomery Street, found a new lease on life thanks to the Pierce Brigade. In 1971, this volunteer group moved the house to its current site at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane in Concord’s historic district, saving an important piece of New Hampshire’s history.
The Manse opened to the public in 1974, inviting visitors to explore the life of a future president. A renovation in 2007 enhanced the visitor experience, making it even more engaging for guests. Now, this historical treasure continues to educate and inspire future generations, with guided tours available from mid-June to October. For those looking to extend their historical journey, Spacious Skies French Pond, a family-friendly campground in nearby Henniker, offers a perfect base for exploring the region’s rich history. Interestingly, appointments are available year-round with at least three days’ notice, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who run and maintain the site.
Architectural Marvel
The Pierce Manse is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture, a style that was very popular in New England homes between 1830 and 1850. Greek Revival features include strong columns and gently sloped roofs. The buildings often resemble temples, reflecting the young nation’s admiration for ancient Greek and Roman design.
As you explore the Manse, you’ll encounter numerous 19th-century design elements. Each room tells a story, from the formal parlor where Pierce likely entertained guests to the cozy bedrooms that offer a glimpse into family life of the era. The home’s layout helps visitors imagine daily life in the 1840s, allowing them to picture the busy household of a rising political figure.
Walking in Presidential Footsteps
Stepping into the Pierce Manse is like walking through history. These rooms once echoed with the footsteps of Franklin Pierce and his family. Now, they stand as silent witnesses to an important time in American history. From 1842 to 1848, these walls sheltered a man who would later lead the nation during a challenging period.
Each room in the Manse is carefully set up to showcase personal items and furniture from that era. These artifacts, ranging from Pierce’s own belongings to everyday objects, paint a vivid picture of life in mid-19th century America. Guided tours of the home bring these objects to life, offering detailed insights into Franklin Pierce’s life, military service, political involvement, and presidential accomplishments. These tours tell the personal and political stories that shaped Pierce’s journey to the White House.
Bringing History to Life
The Pierce Manse doesn’t just preserve history; it brings it to life. Visitors can touch replica objects and examine visual clues, providing hands-on experiences that help people understand what life was like in the 1840s. These interactive elements transform the Manse from a static museum into a living, breathing historical experience.
The guided tours truly make the Manse’s history come alive. Knowledgeable guides share detailed insights about Franklin Pierce’s life, discussing his military service, political involvement, and presidential accomplishments. Visitors often praise these tours for being highly informative, with guides excelling at making the past feel real and exciting. These tours, available from mid-June to October, offer a deep dive into one of New Hampshire’s most important historical sites.
Beyond the Manse: Pierce’s Presidency
Franklin Pierce served as president from 1853 to 1857, a period marked by significant national events that continue to shape our understanding of American history. The Pierce Manse helps visitors contextualize this crucial period, providing insights into the decisions and policies that defined Pierce’s term in office.
During his presidency, Pierce faced numerous challenges, including the highly controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act and growing tensions over slavery. The Manse illustrates how New Hampshire’s political climate influenced Pierce’s approach to governing. For those seeking deeper insights into his presidency, the Franklin Pierce Papers offer a wealth of information, including letters and documents that reveal the complexities of his time in office.
Pierce’s presidency had lasting effects on the nation, with his decisions on slavery and states’ rights setting the stage for future conflicts. The Manse helps visitors understand how Pierce’s New Hampshire background shaped these national policies, offering a unique perspective on how local politics can influence the entire country.
The Manse in Concord’s Historical Tapestry
The Pierce Manse is an integral part of Concord, New Hampshire’s rich history, connecting local and national narratives. It demonstrates how events in a small New England town can reverberate throughout the nation. The preservation of the Manse serves as a vital link to our past, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from this important historical site.
Visitors to Concord will find numerous historical sites that bring the city’s past to life, including the New Hampshire State House and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. However, the Pierce Manse holds a special place due to its connection to a U.S. President, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of local and national history.
The Pierce Manse is more than just an old house; it’s a window into the past that helps us understand our present. By visiting places like this, we can observe how the decisions of one person in a small town can shape an entire country. The Manse serves as a reminder that history is composed of both significant events and everyday lives, offering a unique perspective on the complex tapestry of our shared history. After your visit to the Pierce Manse, consider extending your historical journey by staying at Spacious Skies French Pond campground in Henniker, where you can continue to explore the region’s rich heritage while enjoying the natural beauty of southern New Hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Pierce Manse?
A: The Pierce Manse is the historic home of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, located in Concord, New Hampshire.
Q: When did Franklin Pierce live in the Pierce Manse?
A: Franklin Pierce lived in the Pierce Manse from 1842 to 1848.
Q: What architectural style is the Pierce Manse?
A: The Pierce Manse is an example of Greek Revival architecture, popular in New England between 1830 and 1850.
Q: When is the Pierce Manse open for tours?
A: The Pierce Manse is open for guided tours from mid-June to October, with appointments available year-round with at least three days’ notice.
Q: What can visitors see and do at the Pierce Manse?
A: Visitors can explore rooms with 19th-century design elements, view personal items and furniture from Franklin Pierce’s time, and enjoy hands-on experiences with replica objects.
Q: Why is the Pierce Manse important?
A: The Pierce Manse helps preserve and bring to life the history of Franklin Pierce, offering insights into his life and presidency, and illustrating the connection between local and national history.
Q: How did the Pierce Manse get to its current location?
A: The Pierce Manse was moved to its current location at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane in 1971 by the Pierce Brigade, a volunteer group dedicated to preserving the house.