Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site

Tucked into the rolling hills of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, the Franklin Pierce Homestead preserves the childhood home of the 14th President of the United States. This 13-acre state historic site offers a rare window into early 19th-century New England life and the formative years of one of America’s lesser-known but fascinating presidents.

The centerpiece is the beautifully restored 1804 Federal-style mansion built by Franklin’s father, Benjamin Pierce, a two-term governor of New Hampshire. Guided tours walk visitors through period-furnished rooms where young Franklin grew up among political luminaries and frontier ambition. The home’s architectural details — wide pine floors, original fireplaces, and hand-carved woodwork — speak to the family’s prominence in the young republic.

Beyond the house, the grounds invite quiet exploration. Stone walls line former pastures, mature hardwoods shade the property, and interpretive panels trace the Pierce family’s story from Revolutionary War service to the White House. It’s a contemplative spot, far removed from the crowds of more famous presidential sites.

The site is typically open for tours from late spring through early fall, with peak visiting season in July and August. Autumn brings spectacular foliage to the surrounding Hillsborough countryside, making September and October ideal for combining a visit with a scenic drive through the Monadnock Region.

Expect a focused, unhurried experience — plan about an hour for the tour and grounds. There are no camping facilities on-site, but nearby state parks and campgrounds provide options for those extending their stay.

Explore Nearby

• Connecticut River Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Hyde Hall Bridge — Covered Bridge in New York
• Marshall Bridge — Covered Bridge in Indiana
• Jarvis Island Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• Green Mountain National Forest — National Forest in Vermont