Homes of the Founding Fathers (and some fun facts about them)

July 4th is right around the corner.

While many of your friends will no doubt dawn innovative red, white, and blue outfits with the hope of soaring like a bald eagle to a patriotic peak, we suggest impressing your friends a different way: with fun facts about the founding fathers!

To that aim, here are the homes of the founding fathers, and some fun facts about them:

George Washington – Mount Vernon

Most Americans know about Mount Vernon. The Virginia estate came into the Washington family in 1674 and George became the sole owner in 1761.

His house is a popular historical site, with thousands of tourists passing through the property every day. Interestingly, this is something that good old George never would have had a problem with.

Fun Fact: George didn’t mind respectful trespassers. He once stated that “I have no objection to any sober or orderly person’s gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, Gardens, & ca. about Mount Vernon.”

John Adams – Peacefield    

John Adams has three homes located in Quincy, Massachusetts, however the most popular is his retirement home, Peacefield. The home was originally built as a summer vacation spot for a wealthy sugar planter in 1731. Adams purchased the home in 1787, and it remained occupied by the family until 1927.

Fun fact: The Adams bought the house sight unseen. When Abigail first saw it she cried. Apparently, she had thought it would be much bigger. She got her wish, though, as additions were made to the house over twelve years.

Thomas Jefferson – Monticello

After inheriting the land from his father, Thomas Jefferson began designing and building Monticello at the ripe old age of 26. The property, which spans 5,000 acres, is located near Charlottesville, Virginia.

One of the most noticeable attributes to the home—the large dome roof—was the first of its kind erected in the U.S.

Fun fact: Monticello, which has been established as a National Historic Landmark, is displayed on the reverse side of the nickel. It is also the only private residence in the U.S. to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Benjamin Franklin – Benjamin Franklin House

While Benjamin Franklin is a notable Philadelphian, his only remaining house is the one he stayed at during his time in London. The Benjamin Franklin House, as it’s known today, was occupied by the man himself for nearly sixteen years during 1757 and 1775.

Fun fact: The Benjam Franklin house is the first de facto American Embassy.

James Madison – Montpelier

The property that Montpelier sits on had been under ownership by James Madison’s Grandfather since 1723, but it wasn’t until Madison, at age 39, moved back home with his new wife Dolley.

Aside from his time in D.C. (as Secretary of State and as the fourth President), Montpelier was the main Madison residence, and it was where he passed away and was buried in 1836.

Fun fact: James Madison preferred the French spelling, Montpellier.

John Jay – John Jay Homestead

John Jay’s residence during his latter years was the Bedford House, located in Katonah, New York. With over 750 acres of land, it had been Jay’s desire to turn the property into a functioning farm. He did just that for nearly thirty years until his death in 1829.

Fun fact: Fun facts about the lesser-known Jay are kind of hard to come by. Interestingly enough, though, John Adams once stated that he was “of more importance of the rest of us (founding fathers).” Just knowing that Jay was the first Chief Justice of the United States should be impressive enough.

Alexander Hamilton – Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Also known as the Hamilton Grange Mansion, or simply, The Grange, Hamilton’s Federal style NYC home was designed by  notable architect John J. McComb Jr.

Unfortunately, Hamilton didn’t get to enjoy the house for very long, as it was completed only two years prior to his famous duel with Aaron Burr.

Fun fact: Hamilton’s home has been relocated twice. Both times by a few blocks. The home does, however, remain on the original 32-acre lot that it was on when Hamilton lived there.

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