July 16, 2025

Boston’s Historic Ebenezer Hancock House Now on the Market

here-intlog
July 16, 2025
5:11 am
Raleigh, NC

here-intlog
July 16, 2025
5:11 am
Raleigh, NC

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 Now on the Market After Over 50 Years

Boston, Massachusetts — The Ebenezer Hancock House, a significant piece of American history and the only remaining property in Boston associated with Founding Father John Hancock, is now listed for sale for the first time since 1974. The property, located at 10 Marshall Street, has been in the hands of the current owners, a law firm named Swartz & Swartz, for more than five decades.

Historical Significance of the Property

Built in 1767, the Ebenezer Hancock House holds important historical ties to the American Revolution. John Hancock, renowned for his prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence and for serving as Massachusetts’ first governor, originally owned the house. The property is notable not only for its association with Hancock but also because it is the only remaining house in Boston linked directly to him.

The house was sold by John Hancock in 1785 to a Boston merchant. It later belonged to Hancock’s younger brother, Herbert Hancock. Throughout its long history, the building has served various functions, from storage to commercial use, and has played a role on Boston’s historical landscape.

Property Details and Unique Features

The 5,748-square-foot property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its importance and well-preserved architecture. The interior features Late Georgian details, reflecting the style of the period when it was built. Significantly, the house housed a storage of approximately 2 million silver crowns loaned by the French Government during the Revolutionary War, meant for the Continental Army.

Over the centuries, the house’s first floor served as a retail space for what became the longest continuously operating shoe store in the U.S. (1798-1963). The upper floors have had varied uses, including as a boarding house, a officers club, and, at one point, a privately-operated museum.

Location and Local Context

Situated in Boston’s historic district, the property is close to City Hall, with convenient access to two MBTA stations. Its location on the Freedom Trail places it among other landmark sites such as Faneuil Hall and the Haymarket market. The proximity to these attractions makes it ideal for a variety of uses, blending history and city life.

Current Ownership and Sale Details

The real estate firm LandVest is managing the sale, although a public listing price has not been disclosed. The city of Boston has appraised the property at around $1.6 million. While specific pricing details remain private, the property’s zoning for mixed-use development—combining commercial and residential purposes—offers flexibility for prospective buyers.

Future Prospects and Community Interest

Real estate experts and local historians have expressed interest in finding an owner who values the property’s rich history and is committed to its preservation. Realtor Dave Killen highlighted the desire for a responsible owner-occupant who appreciates and maintains the building’s historic integrity.

The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a property with deep connections to Boston’s revolutionary history and architectural heritage, providing potential for unique residential or commercial development while respecting its storied past.

Overall, the Ebenezer Hancock House stands as a tangible link to America’s early history, offering prospective owners a chance to be part of Boston’s ongoing historical narrative.