The Orchard House in Concord, MA is over 350 years old. The home has gone through many visitors, movements, literary stories, and so much more. Take a journey through the Orchard House and discover more about how it made an impact in Concord and beyond.
Existed During the Revolutionary War
In the 1600s, colonist John Hoar lived in the Orchard House; he was one of the earliest settlers in Concord. On April 18, 1775, the British marched to Lexington and Concord to wreak havoc on the Patriots’ plans. John Hoar’s great-grandson, Timothy, was a member of the Concord Minutemen and lived in the house in 1775. This means that the Orchard House probably played a significant role in the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the American Revolution.
Home of Literary Heroine Louisa May Alcott
The Alcott family lived in the Orchard House from 1858 to 1877. One of the daughters, Louisa May Alcott, sat in one of the rooms of the home at a half-moon desk where she wrote the famous novel Little Women.
In the beloved story, Louisa tells a semi-autobiographical tale of her childhood with her sisters. The Orchard House was featured in the 2019 Little Women film, as director Greta Gerwig filmed in part of the home.
Introduced the American Philosophy of Transcendentalism
This home played a large part in the American philosophy of transcendentalism. Louisa May Alcott’s father, Bronson Alcott, was a philosopher and educator who joined the transcendental movement with scholars like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Transcendentalism is a philosophy that promotes intuitive, spiritual thinking versus scientific thinking. Bronson believed the key to social reform and spiritual growth was in the home and family life.
Present Day – Museum
Since the Alcotts lived at the Orchard House, there haven’t been many structural changes. Today, visitors can come and check out the Orchard House through tours. As one of the oldest historic sites in the country, those who come to the home will find a museum. You will get to explore special household items of the Alcott family, individual and collective achievements, and their influence on the characters in Little Women.
In 1941, the house was documented as a National Historic Landmark by the Historic American Buildings Survey. Now, hundreds of people come to visit this home that has been etched in literary history.
Visit the Orchard House
The Orchard House is accessible by a 45-minute guided tour only. Tickets are reserved on a timed-entry reservation basis, however, walk-in visitors can be accommodated. Indoor photography, videography, eating/drinking, and cell phone use are prohibited. Come and tour the Orchard House today and become entranced by the beautiful knowledge of literary power and transcendentalism.
