Attraction Guide: The Old Manse, Concord, United States

The Old Manse Guide

The Old Manse: Where Literary History Comes Alive Guide

Step back in time at The Old Manse, a historic house museum in Concord, Massachusetts, that served as a home to two of America's most influential literary figures: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. This iconic landmark offers a unique glimpse into the lives and minds of these transcendentalist and romantic writers, providing a profound connection to American literary history. Surrounded by serene gardens and steeped in intellectual energy, The Old Manse is a must-see for anyone interested in literature, history, or the American spirit. Built in 1770 by Reverend William Emerson, grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Old Manse witnessed pivotal moments in American history, including the Battle of Concord in 1775. Ralph Waldo Emerson lived here in the 1830s, writing his seminal essay "Nature" within its walls. Later, Nathaniel Hawthorne and his wife, Sophia Peabody, resided at The Old Manse from 1842 to 1845, a period that deeply influenced his writing, including his short stories collected in "Mosses from an Old Manse." The house stands as a testament to the intellectual and artistic ferment that characterized Concord in the 19th century. Visitors to The Old Manse can take guided tours of the house, exploring the rooms where Emerson and Hawthorne lived and worked. The tours offer insights into their lives, their writings, and their connections to the transcendentalist movement. The surrounding gardens, carefully maintained to reflect their historical appearance, provide a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation. While Concord doesn't have a specific culinary tradition directly linked to The Old Manse, the town offers a variety of restaurants and cafes serving New England cuisine, including fresh seafood, clam chowder, and apple pie.