The beauty and history of New England has helped to inspire countless literary geniuses. Many have created their masterpieces while gazing upon the landscapes of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire. The following five homes serve as landmarks to remind us of some of the most brilliant and tortured minds to produce their art in New England.
Robert Frost Farm, Derry, NH
The beloved New England author had other homes throughout New England, but many believe the farm in Derry, NH inspired him to write some of his most cherished poems. Frost and his family lived here in this typical 1880’s New England home from 1900-1911. The farm hosts tours, displays, a walking trail, poetry readings and free programs for the public.
The Old Manse, Concord, MA
This modest-looking Georgian clapboard house was once the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson as well as Nathaniel Hawthorne. Built in 1770 by Emerson’s grandfather, newlyweds, Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne rented the home from the Emersons in 1842. It overlooks the North Bridge, where the “shot heard ’round the world” started the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Emerson is said to have written his landmark essay, “Nature,” while gazing out at the Concord River.
Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford, CT
Samuel Clemens became Mark Twain during his 17 years living in this 1874 brick Victorian in Harford, CT. Tours tell of Twain’s literary success as well as his local adventures and financial and personal losses.
Stephen King’s Home
Mr. King’s work may not be considered classic literature like the other authors on this list, but he is the most prolific and successful in terms of published works. His distinctive Victorian mansion sits just outside downtown Bangor in his beloved home state of Maine. The home is surrounded by a custom spiderweb iron gate topped by gargoyles and the massive original barn has been converted to house an indoor pool.
Emily Dickinson Museum: The Homestead, Amherst, MA
Emily Dickinson was born in this modest Amherst, MA house in 1830, died there in 1886, and spent most of her adult life secluded there. The museum was created in 2003 in honor of Dickinson’s 1,800 poems and a life ravaged by disease, the Civil War, a secret love, and family scandal.