Gazing upon this unassuming yet stately home, can you sense the echoes of history whispering from its walls? This is the Benjamin Lincoln House. It stands as a testament to a remarkable man and a family legacy spanning over three centuries. The Benjamin Lincoln House isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule, holding within its wooden frame the stories of eleven generations of Lincolns, from the mid-17th century to 2020.
General Benjamin Lincoln, the home’s most celebrated resident, was born within these very walls in 1733. He lived a life intertwined with the birth of our nation. A key figure in the Revolutionary War, General Lincoln participated in pivotal campaigns: Saratoga, Charleston, and the decisive battle at Yorktown. Imagine him, a major general in the Continental Army, accepting the British surrender at Yorktown, a moment immortalized in the iconic painting in the US Capitol rotunda. He wasn’t merely a military man. He later served as the nation’s very first Secretary of War. The Benjamin Lincoln House witnessed not only his military triumphs but also his deep commitment to his hometown, Hingham. He served as Selectman, Town Clerk, and a representative in the provincial legislature. His influence touched various aspects of Hingham’s community life, from the Old Ship Church to the New North Church, from Derby Academy to the local militia.
The Benjamin Lincoln House’s history goes back even further, to 1665. Thomas “The Cooper” Lincoln built the original structure. The house evolved over time, taking on an L-shape around 1715. General Lincoln himself oversaw expansions in the late 18th century, shaping the house into the form we see today. Remarkably, it has remained largely unaltered since his time. A late 19th-century porch, removed in 1937, represents the sole significant modification. In 2020, the Hingham Historical Society acquired the Benjamin Lincoln House, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Lincoln descendants’ generous donation of original furnishings, art, and artifacts allows us to glimpse the lives of those who called this place home.
The house itself is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, reflecting its long history. The seven-bay wide, 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure stands on a sturdy granite foundation. Imagine the warmth radiating from the two interior chimneys on a cold New England evening. Picture the central hall with its staircase leading to the second floor. To the right, the main parlor, once a place for gatherings and conversation. Behind it, two smaller rooms, whispering tales of daily life. The paneled walls around the fireplaces, adorned with Delft tiles in the parlor, add a touch of elegance. To the left of the hall, the former entry vestibule and the 1715 dining room. Think of the meals shared, the stories exchanged around the table. The Benjamin Lincoln House isn’t just a museum; it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of American history. Its walls have absorbed the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and struggles of a family and a nation. As you stand before it, let yourself be transported back in time. Imagine the footsteps of those who walked these halls before you, and feel the weight of history come alive.