News Summary
The Ebenezer Hancock House, a historical landmark in Boston’s Revolutionary War history, is up for sale for the first time in over 50 years. Located at 10 Marshall St., this property is the only surviving house from the Revolutionary War era in downtown Boston. The three-story building, once owned by Founding Father John Hancock, has served various purposes over the years and is now seeking an owner-occupant who appreciates its rich history and architectural style, with an asking price of $1.65 million.
Boston – The historic Ebenezer Hancock House, a significant structure in Boston’s Revolutionary War history, is currently up for sale for the first time in over 50 years. Located at 10 Marshall St., this property is believed to be the only surviving house from the Revolutionary War era in downtown Boston.
This three-story building, which has been occupied by the law firm Swartz & Swartz since 1974, was formerly owned by Founding Father John Hancock. The house is designated as a Boston Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its prime location along Boston’s Freedom Trail places it near notable sites such as Haymarket and Faneuil Hall and alongside establishments like the Bell in Hand Tavern, Green Dragon Tavern, and Union Oyster House.
The property holds a wealth of historical significance. It was originally built in the mid-1700s and is known to have been home to Ebenezer Hancock, John Hancock’s younger brother, who served as the deputy paymaster of the Continental Army. Additionally, the house served as a storage site for 2 million silver crowns loaned by France during the American Revolution to support military efforts. Notably, the building also hosted the longest continuously-operating shoe store in the United States from 1798 to 1963, and over the years, its first floor has been utilized for a variety of purposes, including a restaurant, tavern, boarding house, officers’ club, and private museum.
Currently, the Ebenezer Hancock House features 12 private offices and is zoned for mixed-use, allowing for both commercial and residential properties. Realtor Dave Killen has expressed an interest in finding an owner-occupant who appreciates the building’s rich history and unique architectural style. The property was most recently assessed at $1.65 million according to city tax records. Killen suggested that potential buyers could explore various uses for the building, such as converting the third floor into residential space while maintaining mixed-use configurations.
According to city records, the Ebenezer Hancock House ranks as the 27th oldest building in Boston. Originally built by John Hancock, who inherited the land from his uncle, the house was sold to a merchant in 1785 following Hancock’s ownership. The structure showcases Georgian architectural details, characterized by significant Flemish bond brickwork and includes historical attributes such as beams believed to be from the original construction and a large hearth complete with an antique mantelpiece.
It is important to note that the property is subject to preservation regulations, which means that certain exterior and select interior details must remain intact to preserve its historical integrity. This requirement ensures that any modifications respect the legacy of the building while allowing for modern use.
The sale of the Ebenezer Hancock House presents a rare opportunity for individuals or organizations interested in acquiring a piece of Boston’s history. It stands as a testament to the city’s colonial past and plays a vital role in the historical narrative of the American Revolution. As the real estate market evolves, the future of this iconic structure remains to be seen, but its legacy will certainly continue to attract interest from history enthusiasts and potential investors alike.
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Historic Home Once Owned by John Hancock
- Wikipedia: John Hancock
- Boston Globe: For Sale House Boston American Revolution
- Google Search: Boston Revolutionary War history
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Architecture in the American Revolution
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