56 CENTRAL ST
architectural description
NRDIS NRMRA
Style: Georgian
Other features: modillioned cornice and good entry porch; hip roof; 4 fireplaces; exceptional doorway; Greek Revival touches
historical narrative
Present owner: Abbot, Anglesea & John (22 Nov 1952)
Original owner: George Abbot (known as George "the emigrant")
Themes: Aboriginal, Agricultural, Architectural, Community development, Exploration/Settlement, Military
Historical significance: Original Andover deed conveyed from Richard Sutton to George Abbot ("the emigrant"), written by Simon Bradstreet, March 18, 1663. "The Old Red House", built 1704, stood on site until razed 1862. George Abbot moved from North Parish before 1676 and built a garrison house at the South of the present building. It was between the garrison and 57-59 Central Street that Joseph Abbot was killed by the Indians and his 13 year old brother, Timothy Abbot, captured and kept some months in an Indian village and was later returned by a squaw, to his family. These were George's sons and it is believed the Indians were seeking revenge on Joseph, who had fought at Narragansett Battle. The attack occurred April 8, 167?. (Fuess, "Andover, Symbol of New England", pg. 70-71).
This house was built 1796, presumably by George's grandson (?) of the same name, on the original family homestead. It has been occupied by eight lineal descendents, i.e. 8 generations. Original garrison house stood in rear of house. There have been additions, notably in doorway details i.e. fluted pillars and Greek-style fret worked into the pediment.
In 1946, this house was owned by John R. and George E. Abbot and in 1968, Mrs. George E. Abbot.
1997 Pres. Award
Owners: Ila and Ted Cox
The Captain John Abbot homestead was owned by eleven generations of Abbots, one of Andover's founding families until 1982 when it was purchased by the present owner. This residential complex of house, granary, barn and carriage house represents a graceful vestige of the town's historical development. Central Street is a continuously used thoroughfare for over 300 years.
bibliography/references
National Register of Historic Places
Andover Historical Society files.
Goldsmith, Bessie: "Historical Houses of Andover, Mass", 1946
Bailey, Sarah L. : "Historic Sketches of Andover", 1880
LeBoutellier, Addison: "Early Wooden Architecture in Andover, Mass.", 1917
Historic Andover, 325th Anniversary, 1646 - 1959
Fuess, Claude: "Andover, Symbol of New England", 1959
Abbot, Rev. Abiel and Rev. Ephraim: "Geneological
Register of the Descendents of George Abbot of Andover", Boston, 1847.
See also: Barn Survey
inventory data
| Place: | Andover Center |
| Historic District: | Central Street NRH District |
| Address: | 56 central st |
| Historic Name: | George Abbot House |
| Present Use: | residence |
| Original Use: | farmhouse and Garrison House |
| Date of Construction: | 1796 |
| Source: | B. Goldsmith, Historical Houses of Andover, 1946 |
| Style/Form: | Other |
| Architect/Builder: | |
| Foundation: | stone/brick |
| Wall/Trim: | clapboards |
| Roof: | |
| Outbuildings / Secondary Structures | 2 barns - 1 shingled, I clapboarded |
| Major Alterations: | additrions |
| Condition: | |
| Moved: | |
| Demolished: | |
| Acreage: | 2.32 acres; Lot size: 3.32 acres; approx. frontage: 243' |
| Setting: | |
| MHC inventory number: | ANV.113 |
| Recorded by: | Stack/Mofford |
| Organization: | |
| Date: |
other historic buildings
- on central st
- in Central Street NRH District
- with architectural style Other
18 Carisbrooke Street
