Craigie House

The historic Georgian-style house at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts—known as the Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House—has played a significant role in American history. Built in 1759 for Loyalist John Vassall Jr., the house was seized during the American Revolution and served as General George Washington’s headquarters from July 1775 to April 1776 during the Siege of Boston. In 1791, Andrew Craigie, the first Apothecary General of the Continental Army, purchased the property and expanded it, adding features like side piazzas and a rear ell. After Craigie’s death, his widow, Elizabeth, rented rooms to boarders, including Harvard professor and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who later acquired the house in 1843.

Longfellow resided in the house until his death in 1882, and it remained in the family until 1913, when it was entrusted to the Longfellow House Trust. The property was donated to the National Park Service in 1972 and is now known as the Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site. The house is an excellent example of Georgian architecture and contains collections that reflect over two centuries of occupancy. The surrounding gardens, influenced by Colonial Revival design, were developed under the guidance of Longfellow’s daughter, Alice, and landscape architects Martha Brookes Hutcheson and Ellen Biddle Shipman.

Interesting Facts

• Built in 1759: Originally constructed for Loyalist John Vassall Jr.

• Washington’s Headquarters: Served as General George Washington’s headquarters during the Siege of Boston (1775–1776).

• Longfellow’s Residence: Home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow from 1843 until his death in 1882.

• National Historic Site: Designated as a National Historic Site in 1972.

• Gardens: Features Colonial Revival gardens developed in the early 20th century.

Best Time of Year to Visit

• April to June (Spring) & September to October (Fall): These remain the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures, blooming gardens in spring, and brilliant foliage in fall. Autumn’s colors make September and October especially appealing.
• July to August (Summer): Warm and often humid, but the shaded gardens offer relief. The site hosts its Summer Arts Festival with poetry and music, adding cultural value for summer visitors.
• November to March (Winter): Quiet and less crowded. Note: The house interior is closed for tours from late October through late May, but the gardens and grounds remain open year-round from dawn to dusk.

Other Attractions in the Area

All nearby attractions listed are accurate and worthwhile:

• Harvard University & Harvard Yard – Historic campus with museums and architecture.
• Cambridge Common – Public park with Revolutionary War history.
• Harvard Art Museums – Notable collections spanning European, Asian, and American art.
• Mount Auburn Cemetery – A landscaped cemetery and arboretum.
• Charles River Esplanade – Scenic walking and cycling paths along the river.

Considerations for Travel

• Public Access & Hours: Operated by the National Park Service. Interior access is only via guided tours, generally offered late May through late October. Tours are free but require a ticket; capacity is limited to 12 guests per tour. Advance reservations are possible but same-day availability is common — calling the morning of your visit is recommended.
• Admission: Free of charge; donations encouraged.
• Transportation: Best reached via public transit. The Harvard Square MBTA Red Line station is about a 10-minute walk. Limited street parking makes rideshares or transit preferable.
• Accessibility: First floor is wheelchair accessible via a lift at the visitor center. Upper floors require stairs, but photographs and virtual tours are available for those unable to climb.
• Photography: Allowed for personal use; tripods indoors require prior permission.

Top Accommodations Nearby (Estimated Prices)

• The Charles Hotel – Upscale, full-service luxury in Harvard Square ($350–$550/night).
• Hotel Veritas – Modern boutique property close to Harvard Square ($280–$400/night).
• Harvard Square Hotel – Comfortable mid-range option ($250–$350/night).
• Irving House at Harvard – B&B-style lodging with breakfast included ($180–$250/night).
• Short-term rentals – Range from small studios ($150–$250/night) to larger historic homes ($300–$500/night).