New Hampshire is full of history and one of the best ways to learn about it is by stepping back in time and experiencing what it might have been like to live in the days long before we were here. Museums are fun, but it’s hard to step into someone else’s shoes by viewing exhibits. What we love most is visiting the historic homes of New Hampshire and this one, located in Portsmouth, is one of the most fascinating.
The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden in Portsmouth dates back to sometime between 1760 and 1763 and was lived in by members of the same family for 150 years.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Google
It all began when John Moffatt had the house built as a wedding gift for his only son, Samuel, and his new bride. Unfortunately Samuel wasn’t a great businessman and within a few short years he was bankrupt.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook
Luckily for John, he never actually transferred the deed to his son’s name and he was able to recover possessions in the bankruptcy auction and then buy back the house. From then on, the home was inhabited by members of the family including a number of enslaved people. Records show one of their names was Prince and he worked in the home just before 1773.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook
The home was passed down to various sons and daughters, all related to John. In fact, his daughter’s husband (who also happened to be her cousin) is an original signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook
Stories passed down through the years say that, after signing the document in Philadelphia, William returned home with a horse chestnut that he and Prince planted in the garden and still grows today. That means the tree you see when you visit is more than 234 years old!
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook
You can learn all of this history in-person by visiting the home for a guided tour.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook
Each of the rooms is set up just as it might have been beginning in the 1770s.
Mark S / TripAdvisor
As you move from room-to-room it’s easy to imagine what it felt like to call the home yours.
Mark S / TripAdvisor
Once you’ve toured the home, be sure to visit the gardens which are beautifully lush and manicured.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook The combination of the historic home and the beautiful gardens make for a lovely day out. And it’s a great break from shopping your way through Portsmouth!
The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden is open seasonally Friday through Monday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the spring through mid-October. In 2021 the last day to visit is October, 18th. Admission is $8 for adults, $2.50 for children 7-12, and free for kids 6 and under. Admission to the garden only is $2. You can learn more about the history of the house and learn more about visiting by checking out their website. You can also follow them on Facebook to find out about special events and see more photos. They can be reached on 603-436-8221.
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Google
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden / Facebook
Mark S / TripAdvisor
The combination of the historic home and the beautiful gardens make for a lovely day out. And it’s a great break from shopping your way through Portsmouth!
Historic homes and museums aren’t the only way to learn more about the state. Train rides are a great way to step back in time and we’ve got a great one for you to experience. One of our favorites train rides allows visitors to explore the incredibly beautiful Conway Valley scenery in New Hampshire.
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Address: Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, 154 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
