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Dedham, Massachusetts: North America's Oldest Wood Frame House

America, so starved for the saggy charms of Old Europe, cherishes this Puritan family home, built in the 1630s and remarkably preserved with its wavy walls and roof.

Fairbanks House

Address:
511 East St., Dedham, MA
Directions:
Fairbanks House, I-95 Exit 15 north on Providence Hwy, right on Eastern Ave. to East St. on right.
Hours:
Tours May-Oct W-Su 10 am - 5 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
781-326-1170
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Visitor Tips and News About North America's Oldest Wood Frame House

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Oldest Wood Frame House.

North America's Oldest Wood Frame House

The Fairbanks House is closed during the winter, but you can still walk around the outside.

[Molly, 01/03/2018]

Oldest wood frame house in North America.

North America's Oldest Wood Frame House

The oldest wood frame house in North America is in Dedham, Massachusetts. It looks like something from a Tim Burton Movie.

[Tim Johnson, 08/24/2011]

Charming saggy roof effect, out of fashion since the 1600s and well preserved here. Claims to be the "oldest surviving timber frame house in North America," built around 1637-1641 for the Puritan Fairebanke family. The "1636" letters were added to the the chimney more recently.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Grave of Igloo, Admiral Richard Byrd's DogGrave of Igloo, Admiral Richard Byrd's Dog, Dedham, MA - 2 mi.
Grave of Lizzie Borden's DogsGrave of Lizzie Borden's Dogs, Dedham, MA - 2 mi.
Alexander the Great ParkAlexander the Great Park, Roslindale, MA - 4 mi.
In the region:
Big Kodiak Bear, Providence, RI - 31 mi.

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