New Hampshire’s Oldest Home is Over 100 Years Older Than the Country

New England is the oldest part of the country, and we have the homes to prove it.

Seacoast Online had a great article about New Hampshire's oldest home being older than the entire country. The United States was becoming a country in the 1600s with people coming to the 'new world'. It wasn't until 1776 that we became the United States of America. But the Jackson House was built in 1664.

The average life of most buildings is 50 to 60 years. That's according to MIT Architecture via Seacoast Online. This building dates back 361 years! That's hard to wrap your head around!

The home was built by Richard Jackson (hence the name) in 1664. He was a woodworker, farmer, and mariner. It has had many changes and additions since the first home. With each generation moving in, there have been additions. The home stayed in the Jackson family for seven generations! It wasn't until 1924 when William Sumner Appleton bought it.

SIDE NOTE: William Sumner Appleton is a perfect name for the 1920s.

Is the oldest home in New Hampshire open to the public?

William Appleton is the founder of Historic New England. That's a non-profit that maintains the house that is open to tours. On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from June to October, there are 45-minute guided tours. If you are a member of Historic New England, it's free. The ticket prices otherwise are very reasonable. $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5 for students and children.