The Oldest Houses in the US That Are Still Standing

Step into the past with the Joel Eddins log home! It’s a real-time traveler, standing tall since 1808 – a whole 11 years before Alabama was officially a state. This cozy cabin gives us a peek into what homes looked like back in the early 1800s in that neck of the woods.

Originally in Ardmore, this historic house packed its bags and was moved to Huntsville’s Burritt, on the Mountain living history site in 2007. Talk about a change of scenery!

Welcome to the wild history of the Grog Shop, the home and business of Jesse Hinderliter! Built between 1826 and 1827, this place tells tales older than your grandpa’s stories.

The original setup was all red oak logs and cypress flooring. Later, they spruced it up with clapboard siding and a fancy porch. Talk about a glow-up through the years! Nowadays, the Grog Shop is like a celebrity at the Historic Arkansas Museum and is a star attraction in Arkansas’s historical lineup.

Step right up to the historic Four Mile House, a gem constructed back in 1859 and named after its strategic spot – exactly four miles from the bustling crossroads of Broadway and Colfax Avenue in Denver.

Back in the 1860s, this place was the last hurrah for stagecoaches cruising the Smoky Hill Trail from Kansas to Colorado along the Missouri River. However, time rolled on, and trains became the new cool kids on the transportation block. This place transformed into a farm, adapting to the changing times.

The Henry Whitfield House was built in 1639 by Henry Whitfield, the founder of Guilford, Connecticut. This legendary dwelling isn’t just your run-of-the-mill historic abode—it’s the oldest stone house in all of New England! Talk about standing the test of time!

From its construction in the late 1630s, this two-story marvel served as a home, a fortress, and even a makeshift meeting place while the rest of the settlement was taking shape. It’s a house that tells a story – and what a story it is!

This is the Ryves Holt House of Lewes, Delaware, standing tall since 1665. Philip Russell, a royal cup-bearer turned innkeeper, ran the joint, hosting travelers on their epic voyages. Later, the house got a new boss—Ryves Holt, Sussex County’s first Chief Justice. Talk about a promotion!

This house survived the chaos of history, keeping its original charm intact. Fast forward to today, and this living legend belongs to the Lewes Historical Society, earning a spot in the First State National Historic Park in 2014.

The Old Stone House in Washington, D.C., built in 1765, is the city’s oldest structure and a testament to America’s early days. Originally constructed by Christopher and Rachel Layman as a dwelling and a store, this unassuming house witnessed the birth of a nation.

Over time, it transformed into a boarding house, then into a tailor shop, and later even served as a residence for a local beverage seller. The National Park Service now safeguards this historical gem, offering visitors a journey through time.

The Frame House, known as Ka Hale La’au, stands tall in O’ahu, Hawaii, boasting the title of the oldest surviving wooden house. What’s more, it’s not just any old house—it’s a kit house!

Back in 1821, this beauty sprang up from pre-cut timbers that voyaged all the way around Cape Horn from Boston, Massachusetts. Talk about a long-distance delivery! This house is a symbol of craftsmanship, bridging continents and centuries.

Once upon a time, the Cahokia Courthouse was just a French-style house back in the 1730s. Then, in 1793, it got a promotion and became a courthouse, dishing out justice like it owned the place.

This spot wasn’t just about legal stuff. It hit the big time when it turned into Lewis and Clark’s headquarters from 1803 to 1804. They planned their epic cross-country trip there, sorting out supplies while their crew got ready at the nearby Camp DuBois.

Constructed in 1833 (or maybe 1827, depending on who you ask), this cozy abode was home to the pioneer William Newman. Situated initially at Second and Locust Streets, this house must have caught the moving bug!

Not once, but twice, it packed its wooden bags. First, it relocated to Eagle Point Park in 1915, probably enjoying the change of scenery. Then, in 1967, it made its final move to its current spot on the grounds of the Mathias Ham House.

The McIntire Garrison House is a true relic from the past. Built in 1707 by Micum McIntire, the son of a Scottish highlander, this house is thought to be among the oldest houses in the state and is perched proudly on the banks of the historic and archaeological-rich York River.

This house holds a special place in local hearts, gaining iconic status since the late 1800s. Its scenic location has made it a muse for artists and antiquarians, often gracing sketches and paintings, perpetuating its timeless allure.

This is a house with a lot of stories to tell about a single family and their many, many generations. Back in the late 1630s, craftsman Jonathan Fairbanks, along with his wife and their six children, laid down the roots of this extraordinary abode.

For an astonishing 268 years, eight generations of the Fairbanks clan called this property home. Standing tall as North America’s oldest continuously standing wooden structure, this house is truly an ancestral home.

Nestled along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Pascagoula is the LaPointe-Krebs House, a time-traveling treasure built in 1757, way before your great-great-grandma’s time. Officially the oldest dated building in Mississippi, this unique tabby concrete wonder is a lone survivor on the entire Gulf Coast.

This house isn’t stuck in the past, though! Over 250 years, it’s had more makeovers than a celebrity on a red carpet. Starting with two rooms and a fireplace, it ended up sprouting extra rooms and fireplaces by the 20th century.

Crafted by Louis Bolduc, a merchant and lead miner, this house stands tall as a tribute to French settlers’ architectural brilliance. It’s not just any house; it’s a National Historic Landmark – a living time capsule of 18th-century French colonial life.

What makes it stand out? The vertical log construction, or as the French call it, “poteaux-en-terre.” It’s a rare sight these days, and this house proudly boasts one of the last remaining examples of this unique style.

The Jackson House, standing tall since 1664, was crafted by Richard Jackson, — a woodworker, farmer, and mariner. Perched on the family’s 25-acre plot, it’s the oldest surviving wood-frame house in New Hampshire. Inspired by English post-medieval designs, it’s a nod to the old world while shouting its American flair with extravagant woodwork.

As generations passed the torch, they added their own touches, like a lean-to in 1715 and more expansions in the following centuries. With each addition, the house started to resemble a patchwork quilt of time, stitching together stories from centuries past.

In Gibbstown, New Jersey sits the oldest building around—also one of the oldest log cabins in the country! It’s called the Nothnagle Log House and is found on Swedesboro-Paulsboro Road. This historic gem was built between 1638 and 1643 by Finnish settlers.

The old section of the house, crafted by Finnish or Swedish settlers, dates back to the colony of New Sweden. Harry and Doris Rink, the folks who’ve been taking care of this place for years, live in a newer part of the cabin and love showing visitors around.

The Wyckoff House, also known as the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House, stands proudly at 5816 Clarendon Road in Brooklyn’s Canarsie neighborhood. Built between 1636 and 1640, this historic beauty sits within Milton Fidler Park.

Today, the city owns the house, but it’s operated by The Wyckoff House & Association. This piece of history was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1967 and holds the title of a New York City-designated landmark. It’s a living treasure of Brooklyn’s rich past!

Imagine buying a house and realizing you’ve snagged a piece of history! Nestled in Edenton, North Carolina, the Lane House proudly holds the title of the oldest house in North Carolina.

The Lane family, Steve and Linda, are the current proud owners. During renovations of this historic gem, they discovered a hidden treasure trove—timber dating all the way back to 1719! Researchers from Williamsburg and beyond joined the quest, and soon, the true historical significance of the house was revealed.

This old beauty has a tale that’ll have true-crime aficionados on the edge of their seats! Built in 1845, the original part holds secrets that stir up curiosity.

20 years after the completion of the Delaney House, it became the grounds of a tragedy involving Daniel Delaney, a man from Tennessee. Today, this place is up for grabs on Airbnb, inviting brave souls to spend a night within its mysterious confines—for a bargain price of $40.

The Middleburg Plantation is a colonial-era gem nestled near the Cooper River in Huger, South Carolina. The house, constructed in 1697 by Benjamin Simons, a French Huguenot, likely stands as the oldest wood-frame building in the state. Its architectural significance reflects the craftsmanship of that era, earning it the prestigious title of a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Benjamin Simons founded Middleburg in 1699, naming it after the Dutch city of Middelburg, where the Frenchman stayed before venturing across the ocean to America.

Nestled in Sevierville, Tennessee, the Buckingham House stands tall as a historic brick house – a true treasure from 1795. Crafted by Thomas Buckingham, this residence boasts the distinction of being Sevier County’s oldest house.

Its design follows the elegant Federal architectural style, adding to its charm and historical significance, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Welcome to the William Harris House, also known as the Joseph Caruso House! This historic place on Western Avenue in Brattleboro, Vermont, has been standing tall since 1768. Legend has it that a pioneer named William Harris, from Holden, Massachusetts, built this place. They even found a carved date of 1768 on one of its beams!

It’s a real old-timer, believed to be the oldest surviving building in town and one of the state’s ancient treasures, earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

In 1842, Robert and Mary Wakely, daring pioneers from New York, built the Wakely House after an adventurous journey sailing west, loaded with lumber. They picked a spot known as Point Basse, aptly called “low point” in French, for their home.

This location, close to the Wisconsin River, gave them access to water, although it was downstream from the river’s lively rapids and waterfalls. It was a bold choice for their homestead, nestled in the beauty of nature’s rhythm and flow.

The Bowne House stands as a remarkable gem of Anglo-Dutch residential architecture, proudly resting on its original site. Built by John Bowne, this structure began around 1661 and saw expansions in 1669 and 1680, reflecting the family’s growth and success.

In 1945, the Bowne House Historical Society emerged, driven by local Flushing residents’ passion to transform the house into a museum, opening the doors to the public in 1947.

The Wing Fort House stands as an enduring ode to family heritage, claiming the title of the oldest continuously owned home by its original family. Erected in 1641, this historic residence located off Route 6A in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, remained under the Wing family’s care for an astonishing 301 years.

Presently, the Wing family proudly holds ownership of this cherished abode. Descendants of the house’s original owners—brothers Stephen, John, and Daniel Wing—comprise an organization dedicated to unraveling genealogical connections and preserving their familial legacy.

The Sparrow House, perched at 42 Summer Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts, traces its roots back to 1640. Richard Sparrow, along with his wife and son, embarked on a journey from England to New Plymouth, eventually receiving six acres of land. In just four years, the Richard Sparrow House was primed and ready for occupancy.

In 1653, the Sparrow family relinquished ownership to George Bonum. Today, this historic site is a vibrant blend of an art gallery and a museum, offering visitors a window into the past.

The Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico is an extraordinary piece of history, with structures that still serve as homes, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the United States. The roots of habitation in this region stretch back for over 2,000 years.

Sitting atop a majestic 367-foot sandstone bluff, the place is called home by almost 4,800 people of the tribe. Spread across more than 430,000 acres, this vibrant community thrives in 250 buildings, preserving an invaluable cultural heritage.

This historic dwelling carries a weighty past, linked to a darker chapter in New World history. Now transformed into a museum, The Witch House, situated at 310 Essex St. in Salem, Massachusetts, was once the residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640-1718).

Acquired by the judge in 1675, the house’s construction dates back to 1642, though precise verification of this date remains uncertain. Some historians even speculate it might be older. With its 17th-century New England architectural style, it stands as a relic from an intriguing era.

Standing since 1649 and undergoing restoration in 1940, the Old House rests gracefully along State Route 25 in Suffolk County, New York. Revered by the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council, it holds the distinction of being deemed the oldest English-style medieval house in New York State.

In a captivating 2019 report shared by the historical council, archaeologists delved into the property, partly aiming to uncover any concealed artifacts with potential magical significance, including elusive items like witch bottles known to appear at similar sites. However, they came up empty-handed.

The Thomas Lee House, renowned as one of the oldest wood-frame houses in Connecticut, originated in 1660. Renovations continued until approximately 1765, marking the culmination of significant expansions. It served as a residence for nearly two centuries until a neighboring farmer acquired it, repurposing the dwelling as a chicken coop and hay storage.

In 1914, the historical society took ownership of the house, reviving it to its former glory and welcoming the public to explore this historic gem restored to its former splendor.

The James Blake House was erected in 1661. It once housed English immigrants James Blake and Elizabeth Clap. Facing the threat of a grand urbanization scheme in the late 19th century, the house stood marked for demolition.

However, the Dorchester Historical Society intervened, procuring and meticulously restoring the residence. Remarkably, they orchestrated the house’s relocation, ferrying it 400 yards to its present location.

Salem is brimming with ancient places wrapped in captivating tales, and this one is no different! Historical records suggest sailor Samuel Pickman constructed this house in 1664, although some speculate it might have been crafted by his father, Nathaniel, a skilled carpenter.

Nestled near the Old Burying Point, an ancient burial ground, and amidst Salem’s long-standing supernatural history, the Pickman House has amassed its own spectral stories.

Once the abode of Arthur Allen in 17th-century Virginia, this Jacobean-style residence went by the straightforward moniker of Allen’s Brick House.

According to Preservation Virginia, this historic gem claims the title of the oldest brick dwelling in North America. Erected in 1665, it passed into the hands of Allen’s son after his father’s passing. However, approximately 70 of Nathaniel Bacon’s supporters took residence in the house, leading to its new name of Bacon’s Castle.

The Halsey House, nestled in Southampton, New York, stands as a museum born from history. Constructed around 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., it echoes the legacy of pioneer Thomas Halsey Sr.

Restored to its former glory, this treasure trove is open to the public. Inside, visitors can step into the world of Thomas Halsey’s family, surrounded by their belongings and other relics. Among the curated collections are 17th and 18th-century furnishings and a remarkable Dominy clock. Beyond its historical charm, the Halsey House buzzes with social gatherings and an array of engaging public programs.

The Oldest House on Sunset Hill, also called the Jethro Coffin House, holds tales of Nantucket’s early days. Erected in 1686, it stands proudly on its original site, believed to be the oldest dwelling on the island.

This historic home embodies the union of two influential Nantucket families – the Coffins and the Gardeners. Despite historical tensions between the two families, the marriage of their children symbolized unity. Constructed on Gardner land using Coffin lumber, the house was a wedding gift from Jethro Coffin to his wife, Mary Gardener.

The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is a remarkable gem designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter. Once the beloved residence of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, this grand house stands as a testament to the American High Gothic style.

Interestingly, it’s now under the ownership of Hal Holbrook. Valued at $16.3 million, this historic marvel spans across a vast 35,000 square feet.