Episode 194: Longfellow House- Washington’s Headquarters, NHS

As part of its mission, the National Park Service seeks to protect and preserve places saved by the American people so that all may experience the heritage of the United States. These places include those with historical significance.

Supervisory Park Ranger Garrett Cloer joins us to explore the Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site so we can discover more about the Siege of Boston (1775-76), the birth of the Continental Army and the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Supervisory Park Ranger Garrett Cloer joins us to explore the Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site so we can discover more about the Siege of Boston (1775-76), the birth of the Continental Army and the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

During our exploration, Garrett reveals the early history of the house that John Vassall built; Details about how the Vassall House came to serve as George Washington’s home and headquarters during the Siege of Boston; And information about how both Washington and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow used and experienced life in the house.

What You’ll Discover

  • The National Park Service as a steward of Historic Sites
  • The Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic site
  • The connections of the Longfellow House to American history
  • John Vassall and the early history of the historic site
  • Architecture of the Vassall House
  • John Vassall, Loyalist
  • The British Occupation of Boston
  • The Siege of Boston
  • Washington’s arrival in Boston in July 1775
  • Washington’s headquarters in Cambridge
  • Washington’s life in the Vassall House
  • Enslaved people and the Vassall House
  • Evacuation Day
  • How Washington’s Headquarters became Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s House
  • Longfellow’s life in the Vassall House
  • Frances “Fanny” Appleton Longfellow
  • Longfellow on abolitionism and women’s rights
  • How the Longfellow House became a National Historic Site
  • What we can see and tour during a visit to the Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters NHS

 

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Time Warp PlainTime Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if George Washington had chosen to make his headquarters in another house? What would have happened to the Vassall House if George Washington hadn’t made it his temporary residence?

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