The Oldest House and the Historic Garden

  • Also Known As: Jethro Coffin House

  • Address: 16 Sunset Hill
  • Vicinity: E of N Liberty St, off Sunset Hill Ln
  • Travel Genus: Sight , Visit
  • Sight Category: Museums
  • Activity Category: Tour

Nantucket's last surviving building from the original 17th century settlement. - AsNotedIn

The Jethro Coffin House was erected supposedly as a wedding present for Jethro and Mary (Gardner) Coffin sometime around 1686. All, the materials for construction came from Exeter, New Hampshire, where Jethro's father, Peter Coffin, owned timberland and a saw mill. In 1708 the Coffins sold the house to the Paddocks who owned it until 1840. After a series of unrecorded owners and uses it was bought by Tristram Coffin of Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1881, a direct descendant. At this time some repairs were made which included a new roof, a new cornice for the old chimney top, the insertion of strengthening timbers and the application of new shingles in bare sections. In 1923 it was bought by the Nantucket Historical Association who undertook its reconstruction. - NRHP, 25 January 1975

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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1686/00/00 Jethro Coffin Home Built as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin and Mary Gardner
1687/00/00 Mary Gardner Coffin Home Jethro and Mary Coffin make their home on Nantucket island.
1699/00/00 Eleazer Folger Home Eleazer Folger's house (lost) is built a few yards east of the Jethro Coffin house, c 1699.
1700/00/00 Sarah Gardner Folger Home Sarah and Eleazer Folger set up residence (lost) on Nantucket.

Data »

Particulars for The Oldest House and the Historic Garden:
Area of Significance Architecture
Criteria Architecture-Engineering
Sight Category Building
Building Style Cape Cod House
Level of Significance National
Building Style New England Saltbox
Owner Private
Historic Use Single dwelling



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration:

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name:
Registry Address:
Registry Number: 68000019
Resource Type:
Owner: Private
Architect: unknown
Architectural Style: Other
Attribute: Cape Cod saltbox
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Architecture
Applicable Criteria: Architecture-Engineering
Period of Significance: 1650-1699
Significant Year: c 1686
Historic Function: Domestic
Historic Sub-Function: Single dwelling
Current Function: Recreation and Culture
Current Sub-Function: Museum

Activities »

Activity
Activity Category Tour

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