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5 of the Oldest Buildings in the United States

There is immense beauty in history. Check out the oldest buildings in the U.S and book a bus ticket to visit them.

You don’t have to search too intently to find beauty in every corner of the United States. There are thousands upon thousands of stunning structures — some new, but most deeply entrenched in history. Some of the oldest buildings in the U.S. also happen to be the most visually appealing. Here are five worth visiting on your next vacation.

1. The Carter Mansion

In addition to its distinction as the oldest frame house still in existence in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion also boasts an impressive history. It was built between 1775 and 1780 by John Carter and his son, Landon. Carter was one of the first to make a home in the wild country after Daniel Boone blazed the historic Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap in the Appalachian Mountains. Situated in Elizabethton, the home is unique for its well-preserved interior. The authentic elements, including intricate crown molding, chair rails, and elevated wall panels, are all representative of a bygone era. The property is also home to a pair of the oldest paintings in the entire state. Visitors can experience the Carter Mansion in all of its glory during different times of the year. A significant highlight is Christmas at the Carter Mansion, an annual event that allows visitors the chance to go “back in time” for a festive weekend.

2. Old Stone House

Although Washington, D.C., is filled with historic buildings that date back centuries, the oldest untouched building is the Old Stone House. Situated in Georgetown, the property was built in 1766 and originally served as both a residence and a cabinet maker’s shop. It has gone through numerous iterations since then and was restored in the 1950s by the National Park Service. By 1960, it was a residential museum where visitors could glimpse an array of pre-Revolutionary era furnishings and designs. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors are welcome to view the bedrooms, parlor, and kitchen.

3. Middleburg Plantation

Designed in 1697, the Middleburg Plantation in Huger, SC, is a magnificent representation of life at the time. As one of the oldest buildings in the U.S., it has been completely restored and is considered one of the oldest frame homes in the state. It contains its original heart pine floors, and of particular note are the carvings found on a window in an upstairs bedroom. They were produced by a little girl who lived in the home from 1892 to 1902 and remains there today. Located some 30 miles from downtown Charleston, it’s in a privileged location for visitors who want to venture out of the city and explore local history in-depth. Even its garden is reputable — it’s considered the oldest in the entire country.

4. Richard Jackson House

As the oldest wood frame home in New Hampshire, the Richard Jackson House earns its historic reputation easily. It was crafted in 1664 by Jackson himself, a farmer whose family owned the 25-acre land on which it sits, just across the Piscataqua River. It’s noteworthy largely for its extensive use of wood. The exterior was made with sawn lumber, while old-world English framing construction lends the majority of the home a deeply classical appearance. The property was restored in the early 20th century, and it was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1968. Today, it’s a busy museum that regularly hosts special events.

5. Fairbanks House

Situated in Dedham, MA, Fairbanks House may well be the oldest timber-frame house in the entire country. It was constructed in 1636 by Jonathan Fairbanks, who lived there with his wife and six children. Indeed, “family” was the keyword — the home remained a Fairbanks property for eight generations. Today, the property is well preserved and owned by the Fairbanks Family in America, a nonprofit whose mission is to protect the ancestral home and its remarkably well-kept interior. It’s also a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Book Your Bus Trip Today

If you’re inspired to delve a little deeper into the oldest buildings in the U.S., then it’s worth booking a getaway this summer and exploring these beautifully restored and preserved properties. Visit BusTickets.com to get started and to find affordable tickets to the destination of your choice!

References:

www.cartercountyhistory.com/the-mansion.html

www.nps.gov/places/old-stone-house.htm

middleburgplantationsc.com/

www.historicnewengland.org/property/jackson-house/

fairbankshouse.org/

fairbankshouse.org/

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