Peter Tufts House

Standing proudly in Medford, Massachusetts, the Peter Tufts House is a remarkable relic from Colonial America, thought to have been built between 1677 and 1678. This historic structure, often mistakenly referred to in the past as the Cradock House, is a testament to the architectural ingenuity and resilience of early American settlers. With its thick brick walls and distinctive gambrel roof, the Peter Tufts House is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The History of Peter Tufts House

The Peter Tufts House has a storied past that intertwines with the early history of Massachusetts. Initially, the land on which the house stands was owned by Mathew Cradock, one of the founding members of the Massachusetts Bay Company. Although Cradock never set foot in America, his name was erroneously associated with the house for many years. The land was subsequently sold to Richard Russell of Charlestown, who, in 1677, sold it along with a dwelling house and barn to Peter Tufts Sr. of Charlestown. It is believed that Peter Tufts Sr. had already settled on the land prior to this transaction.

The house was likely constructed by Peter Tufts Sr., who later sold it to his son, Captain Peter Tufts Jr., in 1680. The brick mason responsible for the construction was William Bucknam, who was brought over from Chelsea, England, in 1632. The house’s thick brick walls, measuring 18 inches, and the incorporation of end chimneys into the walls were unusual for the time and area of its construction. These features, along with the steep main roof slope truncated at the top to form one of the earliest-known gambrel roofs, make the Peter Tufts House an architectural marvel.

A Fortified Legacy

Due to its thick walls and portholes, the Peter Tufts House has been referred to as the fort and the garrison house. These features suggest that the house was designed with defense in mind, providing a safe haven during turbulent times. Despite its fortified appearance, the house has served primarily as a family residence throughout its history.

In 1887, the house was saved from demolition by Samuel Lawrence, who purchased it as a wedding gift for his daughter. During this period, the interior was remodeled in the Colonial Revival style, although the original support beams and parts of the staircase were preserved. Much of the exterior remains original, with the notable exception of the front porch, which was added between 1889 and 1900.

The House in the Modern Era

When the City of Medford was incorporated in 1892, an image of the Peter Tufts House was used in its city seal, cementing its status as an iconic symbol of the area. In 1930, ownership of the house was transferred to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, now known as Historic New England. The Medford Historical Society and Museum purchased the house in 1982 and spent $45,000 on repairs and safety issues over the decades.

In 2013, the home's caretaker moved out, and the house was rented on a month-to-month basis. The Medford Historical Society's board voted to put the home up for sale in 2016, and it was listed in June 2017 at a price of $657,500. The house eventually sold for $562,500 in 2019 and was available to rent in 2022 at a price of $3,600 a month.

Architectural Significance

The Peter Tufts House is believed to be one of the oldest surviving houses in the United States with a gambrel roof, a feature that distinguishes it from other colonial-era buildings. The house's brick construction, with its thick walls and end chimneys, is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the period. The gambrel roof, with its steep main slope truncated at the top, is one of the earliest examples of this style in America.

Visitors to the Peter Tufts House can appreciate the blend of original colonial features and later Colonial Revival modifications. The house stands as a monument to the ingenuity and resilience of early American settlers, offering a glimpse into the architectural and historical legacy of the region.

A Living Connection to the Past

For those interested in American history and architecture, the Peter Tufts House is a fascinating destination. Its thick brick walls, distinctive gambrel roof, and storied past make it a unique and valuable piece of American heritage. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, the Peter Tufts House in Medford, Massachusetts, offers a captivating journey through time.

In conclusion, the Peter Tufts House is not just a historic building; it is a symbol of the early American spirit and a testament to the craftsmanship and resilience of the settlers who built it. Its walls echo stories from centuries past, making it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting the beautiful city of Medford.