Boston is often considered one of the founding cities of America. It's associated with many monumental developments starting in 1630 AD when the Puritans arrived. It was home to the famous Boston Tea Party, associated with the nation's liberation. The city has some of the oldest structures in America. Several have been in existence for centuries. Tourists interested in exploring this side of Boston should brace themselves for a great experience as they check out the following ten historic homes.

10 Paul Revere House

This structure is considered one of the oldest in Boston, constructed in 1680. Revere is considered one of America's patriots during the Revolutionary War against Britain. A tour of the house takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This stay depends on the time of the year since some months attract more tourists than others. An interesting fact about Paul Revere House is that it doesn't have telephones or public restrooms. This deliberate decision may be inspired by the need to keep the structure in its original form as such modern conveniences were not found in homes.

  • Location: Boston, MA, 02113
  • Open: 10 am - 5:15 pm

Related: Visiting Boston? Here's How To Use The Boston CityPass

9 Old South Meeting House

The Old Meeting House was built in 1729 as the largest building during the colonial era. The structure was used for many historical meetings following the Boston Massacre. For example, Sam Adams launched the Boston Tea Party at the Old South Meeting House. This historical appeal continues to date with important exhibitions such as "If the Walls Could Speak" and "Voices of Protest," which tell important accounts of the Old South and the struggle for free speech.

  • Location: Boston, MA, 02108
  • Open: 10 am – 5 pm

8 African Meeting House

The African Meeting House was constructed in 1806 at the heart of Boston. At the time, the African American community populated the area, making it an icon of black social organization. The purpose of the African Meeting House was to accommodate events associated with the Abolition Movement. The house was a central coordinating station for most of the monumental historical events in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Today, the house is used as a church. It's the oldest black center of worship in the United States.

  • Location: Boston, MA, 02114
  • Open: 10 am – 4 pm (Tue-Sun, except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day)

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7 William Hickling Prescott House

This massive structure is also called the "Headquarters House." It's a historical building along Beacon Street built in 1808 by Asher Benjamin. The house's original owner was James Smith Colburn, a Boston merchant. The original design of the structures had them freestanding with a water view. In 1845, Prescott bought the house, whose ownership was transferred to his wife after he died. His wife sold it to her cousins, who made significant refurbishments, such as adding an elevator and updating the stairwell.

  • Location: Boston, MA 02108
  • Open: 12 pm – 4 pm (Sat only)

6 Chester Harding House

This is a historic house located on Beacon Hill. It was designed and constructed in the Federalist theme as a private home. The design and construction were undertaken by Thomas Fletcher, who handed over the complete structure in 1808. At the time, Beacon Street had a lineup of run-down public structures. Harding purchased the house in 1826 and occupied it for four years. The Chester Harding House became a US National Historic Landmark in 1965.

  • Location: Boston, MA 02108
  • Open: Between 9 am and 5 pm (Mon through Fri)

5 Nichols House Museum

If in Boston on vacation for a few days, this is a historic home not to miss. The Nichols House was designed by Charles Bulfinch and constructed by Jonathan Mason in 1804. It was later renovated in 1830. Its occupier was Rose Standish Nichols, a gardener, pacifist, suffragist, and member of the Cornish Art Colony. She lived in the house until 1960 and left it to be used as a museum following her death. Today, it is a museum dedicated to preserving the American upper-class lifestyle.

  • Location: Boston, MA 02108
  • Open: 10 am - 12.45 pm (Wed-Sun)

4 Gibson House Museum

This historic house is located at 137 Beacon Street in Back Bay. It was designed and constructed following the Victorian architectural movement. The building housed three generations of the Gibson family. The first occupier was Catherine Hammond Gibson, who purchased the site in 1859, moving away from Beacon Hill. She commissioned Edward Clarke Cabot to design and build the structure by 1860. Today, the house is a museum where the various artifacts of the family are preserved, including wallpapers, furnishings, collections, and textiles.

  • Location: Boston, MA 02116
  • Open: 3 pm – 5 pm (Thu) 1 pm – 3 pm (Fri-Sun)

3 Otis House I

This historical structure was the first Harrison Gray Otis house built between 1795 and 1796. Otis House I has a Federalist theme like the other two structures by the same architect. However, its interior finish was done under the influence of Robert Adam. Congressman and real estate businessman Harrison Gray Otis and his wife Sally lived in this lavish home. The structure has since been transformed into a house museum. The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities bought the house in 1916.

  • Location: Boston, MA, 02114
  • Open: 11 am to 4 pm (Fri through Sun)

2 Otis House II

This is Harrison Grey Otis's second mansion, constructed between 1800 and 1802. The building has a square Federal style and stands three stories high. The structure lies on a flat site with ample space. It has a semicircular cobblestone drive reminiscent of the Beacon Hill style. This structure was first registered on the National Register of Historic Places in the 20th Century.

  • Location: Boston, Mass. 02114
  • Open: 11 am – 4 pm

1 Otis House III

The Otis House III was designed and built by architect Charles Bulfinch. The structure was completed in 1806 and featured a Federalist style. It served as Otis' residence till he died in 1848. The four stories are organized into five bays. The house has a rather small entrance for its stature. It has a rectangular portico and two ionic fluted columns.

  • Location: Boston, MA 02114
  • Open: 11 am - 7.30 pm (Wed) 11am - 4.30pm (Thu-Sun)