Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site


Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves the home of Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world’s foremost 19th century poets. The house also served as headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston, July 1775 - April 1776. In addition to its rich history, the site offers unique opportunities to explore 19th century literature and arts.

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS is located in a residential section of Cambridge, MA. There is very little public parking in the area and onsite parking is limited to vehicles with handicapped parking permits. However, the site is a short walk from Harvard Square, where there are paid parking lots and a station for the MBTA Red Line and numerous bus routes. The use of public transportation to the site is highly recommended. Follow the link for detailed instructions.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Guided Tours
  • Hands-On
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits

  • Architecture and Building
  • African American Heritage
  • American Revolution
  • Arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Poetry and Literature
  • Sculpture
  • Commerce
  • Trade
  • Enslavement
  • Industry
  • Laborer and Worker
  • LGBTQ American Heritage
  • Landscape Design
  • Military
  • Infantry and Militia
  • Native American Heritage
  • Presidents
  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Schools and Education
  • Social Movements
  • Abolition Movement
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
  • French and Indian War
  • American Revolutionary War
  • Civil War
  • Spanish-American War
  • World War I
  • Cold War
  • Women's History

Front Facade

Yellow three-story mansion with symmetrical facade. Steps and large lawn in foreground. Framed by br

Elm trees frame the front facade of the Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House.

Fun for All Ages

children interacting with puppet

Special events create fun for all ages.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Study

View of a study with a round center table cluttered with books and writing implements.

The Longfellow study table is cluttered with books and writing implements. The black "Chestnut Tree Chair" was a gift to Henry Longfellow in honor of his poem, "The Village Blacksmith."

Front Hall

A staircase with white balusters and green carpet. A bust of Washington sits at the turn of stairs.

The Longfellows' iconic front entry features a bust of Washington at the turn of the stairs

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

mansion highlighted by the changing colors of fall

Thousands tour the historic headquarters of George Washington and home of Henry Longfellow each summer.

The General Finds His Park

reenactors in front of house

You never know who you might find!

Longfellow Family Garden

garden back dropped by house

The Longfellow Family Garden provides a peaceful getaway in the heart of Cambridge.

Summer Festival Concert

large crowd on the east lawn listening to singers perfom

Each year is highlighted by the Summer Festival on the house's east lawn.

Winter at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

house covered with new fallen snow

New fallen snow blankets the historic mansion.

Longfellow Family Garden

pink flower in garden

Vibrant colors abound throughout the year in the Longfellow Family Garden.