Historical Landmarks of Longfellow
Longfellow's legacy extends far beyond his poetry. The historical landmarks associated with him offer a fascinating glimpse into his life and times, with each location brimming with intriguing anecdotes and hidden facts.
Longfellow House (title: Longfellow House)
The Longfellow House in Cambridge, Massachusetts, isn't just any old house. It was originally built in 1759 and became George Washington’s headquarters during the Siege of Boston in 1775-1776. Longfellow moved in during 1837, and it was a wedding gift from his father-in-law. The house is an architectural marvel with Georgian styling and has hosted numerous literary and historical figures.
- Trivia: The house has a secret passageway used by Washington during the Revolutionary War.
- Hidden Fact: The house contains over 10,000 books, many annotated by Longfellow himself.
H.W. Longfellow Bridge (title: H.W. Longfellow Bridge)
The elegant H.W. Longfellow Bridge, often called the "Salt-and-Pepper Bridge" due to its distinctive towers, connects Boston and Cambridge over the Charles River. Opened in 1906, it was named in honor of Longfellow, who often crossed the predecessor bridge on foot.
- Trivia: The bridge is a favorite among local photographers for capturing stunning sunset views.
- Hidden Fact: The bridge was featured in the opening credits of the TV show Bosom Buddies, starring Tom Hanks.
Craigie House (title: Craigie House)
Also known as Longfellow House, the Craigie House in Cambridge was initially a mansion before Longfellow turned it into his family home. It stands as a National Historic Site today and is open to the public.
- Trivia: The house has its own ghost story - the apparition of a British soldier is said to haunt it.
- Hidden Fact: Longfellow wrote many of his famous poems, including Paul Revere’s Ride, in the study of Craigie House.
Longfellow National Historic Site (title: Longfellow National Historic Site)
The Longfellow National Historic Site offers guided tours and special programs that dive deep into the life and works of Longfellow. The home is preserved with original furnishings, and the lush garden is a testament to Longfellow's love for nature.
- Trivia: The garden features plants that Longfellow himself planted.
- Hidden Fact: The site hosts annual poetry readings and historical reenactments that bring Longfellow's stories to life.
Longfellow's Wayside Inn (title: Longfellow's Wayside Inn)
Located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Longfellow's Wayside Inn is the oldest operating inn in the United States, having opened in 1716. It inspired Longfellow’s Tales of a Wayside Inn, a collection of poems.
- Trivia: The inn has been visited by five U.S. presidents.
- Hidden Fact: The inn's Grist Mill, built in 1929, is still operational and produces flour used in the inn’s kitchens.
Portland Head Light (title: Portland Head Light)
The majestic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. Longfellow often visited this spot, and it inspired some of his poetry.
- Trivia: The lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington.
- Hidden Fact: Longfellow’s poem The Lighthouse was inspired by his visits to Portland Head Light.
Mount Auburn Cemetery (title: Mount Auburn Cemetery)
Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge is not just a burial ground but a beautiful garden cemetery where Longfellow is interred. It was the first rural cemetery in the United States, established in 1831.
- Trivia: It’s a popular spot for birdwatching.
- Hidden Fact: Longfellow’s grave is marked by a simple yet elegant monument, and he rests among other notable figures like Winslow Homer and Buckminster Fuller.
Longfellow Park (title: Longfellow Park)
Longfellow Park in Cambridge is a serene spot near Harvard University, offering a quiet place to reflect on Longfellow’s contributions to literature.
- Trivia: The park features a statue of Longfellow seated on a bench, inviting visitors to sit next to him.
- Hidden Fact: The statue is often adorned with flowers and notes from fans.
Westminster Abbey (title: Westminster Abbey)
While not a physical landmark in the U.S., Westminster Abbey in London features a memorial plaque for Longfellow in Poets' Corner, making him one of the few Americans honored there.
- Trivia: The plaque was unveiled in 1884, two years after Longfellow’s death.
- Hidden Fact: Longfellow’s plaque is situated near memorials for Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens.
These landmarks are more than just places; they are testaments to the enduring impact of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on American culture and history. From his home in Cambridge to the places that inspired his poetry, each landmark offers a unique story and a piece of the poet’s legacy.