The oldest house in Cambridge (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Cooper-Frost-Austin House is clearly documented as the oldest dwelling standing in the city of Cambridge. The same family owned it for more than 250 years. Built by Samuel Cooper in 1681, the house is one of the earliest examples of an integral lean-to "half house" consisting of a "low room," "little room," "kitchin," "Chamber," "kitchin Chamber," "Garret," and "Cellar." Other original features include a pilaster chimney and a facade gable.LocationTour involves standing, walking, and stairs. Visitors with limited mobility may be able to enjoy a first floor tour of the house and a visual tour of the museum is available. Folding chairs are provided for visitors who would like to use them while on tour. The site is not equipped with ramps, elevators, or lifts. There is no public restroom. Service animals are welcome. We are happy to work with you to make your visit an enjoyable one and we encourage visitors with questions or requests to call ahead.
DirectionsLinnaean Street is located off of Massachusetts Avenue, and is within walking distance of the Porter stop on the MBTA Red Line.
ParkingNonresident metered parking is located on Massachusetts Avenue. Street parking on Linnaean Street is for residents only.
Recent dendrochronlogy proves that Cooper-Frost-Austin House is the oldest known integral lean-to house in Cambridge.
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A River Called Quinobequin In 1630, the date of the first English settlement, Pequusset, was occupied by indigenous people under the name Massachusett, who inhabited what is now the Metro Boston region.
They settled and prospered from the rich natural resources, especially fishing and beaver trapping, associated with the river they called Quinobequin ("meandering"), which we now call the Charles River.
The land associated with the Cooper Frost Austin House originally ran south to the common and access to the grazing land undoubtedly enhanced its value.
The 1630 transfer of "ownership" of Pequuset was not negotiated with its indigenous inhabitants. Rather, the first English colonists simply seized the land which they believed was unoccupied, notwithstanding its seasonal occupation and exploitation by the Massachusett.
Find out about parking, photography policy, and more.
Visit nearby Otis House in Boston's West End.
Visit Pierce House, one of the oldest houses in Boston.
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