News Summary
The Ebenezer Hancock House, a landmark associated with Founding Father John Hancock, is on the market for the first time in over 50 years. Located at 10 Marshall Street in Boston, this historic property, built in 1767, has significance in American revolutionary history and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The property offers 5,748 square feet and has served various functions over the years. The law firm Swartz & Swartz, which has owned it since the 1970s, is seeking an owner-occupant who appreciates the rich history and preservation of this cultural asset.
Boston’s Historic Ebenezer Hancock House Faces Sale for the First Time in Over Half a Century
Boston, MA – The Ebenezer Hancock House, a significant historic property connected to one of America’s founding fathers, has been placed on the market for the first time in over 50 years. The property, located at 10 Marshall St., is recognized as the sole remaining residence in Boston linked directly to John Hancock, known for his prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence and his role as Massachusetts’ first governor.
Historical Significance and Notable Features
The Hancock House was constructed in 1767 and served as a residence for John Hancock until 1785, when he sold it to a Boston merchant. The house is noteworthy for recent inclusion on the National Registry of Historic Places, emphasizing its cultural and historical importance. The property encompasses approximately 5,748 square feet, offering a glimpse into 18th-century architecture and interiors, characterized by Late Georgian style details.
One of the most historic elements of the house includes its association with Ebenezer Hancock, John Hancock’s younger brother, who once used the property to store a shipment of 2 million silver crowns loaned by the French Government, intended for the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Additionally, the house once housed a longstanding shoe store that operated on its first floor from 1798 until 1963, marking it as the longest continuously operating shoe store in the United States.
Various Uses Over the Years
The upper floors have served multiple functions, reflecting the evolving needs of Boston’s community over centuries. They have operated as a boarding house, an officers’ club, and a privately-operated museum. Today, the building contains 12 private offices and is conveniently situated near City Hall and two MBTA stations, making it highly accessible for professional and tourism purposes.
Current Ownership and Sale Details
The property has been owned by Swartz & Swartz, a law firm, since 1974. The firm has now decided to sell the historic property, with LandVest acting as the real estate broker handling the sale. Although the listing price has not been publicly disclosed, the property has been assessed by the city of Boston at approximately $1.6 million.
Real estate experts have expressed interest in attracting an owner-occupant who appreciates the site’s historical significance and is committed to preservation. The property’s zoning allows for mixed-use development, offering opportunities for both commercial and residential use, potentially adapting the historic structure to modern needs while maintaining its heritage.
Location and Surroundings
The Ebenezer Hancock House is located along Boston’s renowned Freedom Trail, a route that connects many other historic landmarks such as Faneuil Hall and Haymarket. Its proximity to these sites makes it appealing for developers and history enthusiasts alike, emphasizing its potential as a cultural and business hub.
With its rich history, architectural significance, and central location, the sale of the Ebenezer Hancock House marks a noteworthy chapter in Boston’s ongoing preservation and real estate landscape. The property embodies over two centuries of American history and continues to be a symbol of Boston’s historic legacy.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: John Hancock’s Boston Home Up for Grabs
- Wikipedia: John Hancock
- MassLive: Historic Home Once Owned by John Hancock
- Google Search: Ebenezer Hancock House
- Boston Magazine: John Hancock Insurance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Revolution
- 401k Specialist: Suite of Advisor-Centric Retirement Plan Solutions
- Google News: John Hancock House
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
