Picture this imposing Greek Revival mansion. This is the Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House. Built in 1833 it stands as a testament to a prominent Boston family. The Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House wasn’t just a home. It was the center of a remarkable family’s life. This grand house was built by Captain Robert Bennet Forbes and his brother John Murray Forbes for their mother Margaret Perkins.
The Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House is more than bricks and mortar. It whispers tales of the China trade. The Forbes brothers and their uncle Thomas Handasyd Perkins were deeply involved in this lucrative yet controversial business. They amassed great wealth through trade and even opium. This house stands as a symbol of that era. It reflects both the prosperity and the moral ambiguities of the era.
The Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House isn’t just about business. It’s filled with family history. Four generations of the Forbes family lived within these walls. Imagine the lively gatherings and the quieter moments of reflection. Family heirlooms furniture and artwork fill the rooms. They paint a picture of their lives.
A unique feature of the Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House is its nautical elements. Captain Robert Bennet Forbes’s seafaring life influenced the design. This is evident in the elliptical staircase. It resembles those found in lighthouses. Imagine climbing it and gazing out from the cupola. You’d have a stunning view of Boston Harbor. The house’s 18-inch thick walls were originally sheathed in shiplap siding. This is a further nod to Captain Forbes’s maritime background.
The last family member to reside in the Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House was Mary Bowditch Forbes. A devoted admirer of President Lincoln she amassed a significant collection of Lincoln memorabilia. This collection is now part of the museum’s holdings. She even commissioned a replica of Lincoln’s birthplace cabin. This cabin stands on the grounds of the Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House.
Today the Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House operates as a museum. It’s a captivating glimpse into the lives of a remarkable family. Their impact on trade and American history is on display. The Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House isn’t just a historical landmark. It’s a living testament to the Forbes family’s legacy. It’s a place where history comes alive. Step inside and let the stories unfold.