Chester Harding House, Boston
Situated across from the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill, this four-story townhouse, constructed in the Federal architectural style, was originally built as a private residence by real estate developer Thomas Fletcher in 1808, during a time when Park Street and Beacon Street were lined with dilapidated public buildings.
Marked by a commemorative plaque on its left side, it gained recognition as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1965 and is celebrated for its connection to the renowned American portrait painter, Chester Harding, who purchased the house in 1826 and lived here until 1830. Although not as famous today as Gilbert Stuart, Harding enjoyed significant acclaim during his time, having completed over 1,000 portraits throughout his career. In fact, Stuart once lamented that "Harding Fever" had overshadowed his own work.
The house still serves as the headquarters of the Boston Bar Association, which acquired the building in 1962; their logo embellishes the front door. Two larger structures now flank the townhouse: the six-story Claflin Building, originally constructed as a commercial building in 1873 but later converted into luxury condominiums, and the eight-story Congregational House, erected in 1998.
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Marked by a commemorative plaque on its left side, it gained recognition as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1965 and is celebrated for its connection to the renowned American portrait painter, Chester Harding, who purchased the house in 1826 and lived here until 1830. Although not as famous today as Gilbert Stuart, Harding enjoyed significant acclaim during his time, having completed over 1,000 portraits throughout his career. In fact, Stuart once lamented that "Harding Fever" had overshadowed his own work.
The house still serves as the headquarters of the Boston Bar Association, which acquired the building in 1962; their logo embellishes the front door. Two larger structures now flank the townhouse: the six-story Claflin Building, originally constructed as a commercial building in 1873 but later converted into luxury condominiums, and the eight-story Congregational House, erected in 1998.
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Chester Harding House on Map
Sight Name: Chester Harding House
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Boston, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Boston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Boston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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One of the top shopping destinations in the US northeast, Boston has a strong network of interesting stores, galleries and boutiques to visit along with its many high-class shops, some of which are nestled inside historical buildings. Shopping here in more than one way mirrors the city itself: an amalgamation of classic and vanguard, the handmade and the high-end, and both local and international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Bunker Hill Walking Tour
Bunker Hill, sitting on the bank of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic site that holds great significance in American history. At its heart stands the Bunker Hill Monument, a towering obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War.
The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
North End Food Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Boston Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and it had played a key role in the country's struggle for independence. Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England, it witnessed many events of the American Revolution, including the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Cambridge MA Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Boston's great churches are among the most precious of the city's numerous architectural jewels. What makes them special are their unique styles, elegant facades and long history.
Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city鈥檚 North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city鈥檚 North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
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