As a historic seaport and one of the earliest settlements in New Hampshire to be incorporated, Portsmouth also contains some of the state’s longest-surviving buildings. The city’s architecture has been well-preserved so it can be enjoyed by current and future generations. On private residence in the city holds the claim of being the oldest building in New Hampshire and for history buffs, it is a must-see.

The Richard Jackson House was constructed in 1664 by Richard Jackson, a woodworker, farmer, and mariner.
Greencan7/Wikimedia Commons
As originally built, the house was two stories with two rooms on each floor. The rooms were situated around a large central chimney.
Historic New England/Facebook
The house was built on 25 acres of land above North Mill Pond. Its design was extravagant for its notable use of wood.
Tichnor Brothers, Publisher/Wikimedia Commons

Related Stories

It's A Little-Known Fact That The Alarm Clock Was Actually Invented In New Hampshire

It's A Little-Known Fact That The Alarm Clock Was Actually Invented In New Hampshire

 There Are More Historic Places In This Rural New Hampshire County Than We Can Possibly Count

There Are More Historic Places In This Rural New Hampshire County Than We Can Possibly Count

 Experience A New Side Of New Hampshire On This One-Of-A-Kind Adventure

Experience A New Side Of New Hampshire On This One-Of-A-Kind Adventure
Succeeding generations of the Jackson family expanded the house starting in 1715 with subsequent additions following later.
Historic New England/Facebook
The architecture resembles that of post-medieval prototypes from England, yet also contains uniquely American carpentry features of the time.
Historic New England
The house was owned by generations of the Jackson family until the 1920s. It was then acquired by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities for restoration and preservation.
Greencan7/Wikimedia Commons

For more about this fascinating structure and to learn more about how you can tour the oldest building in New Hampshire, visit Historic New England. Portsmouth is home to some of the state’s oldest and most well-preserved history that’s worthy of a weekend of exploration.

I’m fascinated by history as I am always curious about the stories that are connected to it. If you feel the same, you may be interested in touring these four New Hampshire living history museums that will transport you back in time.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore New Hampshire

Featured Addresses
Jackson House, 76 Northwest St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA