Alden, John and Priscilla, Family Sites
Why it's listed
Set on about two and a third acres of rural land in Duxbury, this shingled house with a large central chimney is believed to date from 1653. It was built for John and Priscilla Alden, who crossed on the Mayflower in 1620, lived first in Plymouth, and received a land grant in Duxbury in 1627. Their move formed part of the colony's northward expansion toward fertile farmland. The property also holds the foundations of the Aldens' first Duxbury house, uncovered in a 1960 survey. The foundation dimensions match the rear ell of the present house, which supports the tradition that the older building was moved and incorporated into the newer one. Excavation recovered building materials, domestic goods, clothing items and fishing and farming debris from the mid-1600s, along with earlier Native American artifacts. The undisturbed site offers evidence of everyday life on the Massachusetts frontier that written records do not preserve.
Significance in brief: The house was built for Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Alden and reflects the northward expansion of the Plymouth colony. The undisturbed site of their original 1627 house is an archeological resource that characterizes early 17th-century settlement in Duxbury. Further study could show how the family adapted to the frontier and how their economic life changed between the two houses.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78000476, listed December 14, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 105 Alden St., Duxbury |
|---|---|
| County | Plymouth County |
| Listed | December 14, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78000476 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1600-1699 |
| Architect / builder | John Alden |
| Areas of significance | Historic - Non-Aboriginal, Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated October 6, 2008 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition marked excellent; the form marks the property as both occupied and unoccupied. It includes a modern caretaker's cottage and shed. |
| Acreage | 2.4 |
| Coordinates | 42.04484, -70.68256 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78000476.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6265436
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.