New Hampshire was settled in 1776, which is unimaginably long ago. And, when you consider that it was inhabited long before Europeans even arrived it’s clear that this state has some serious history. That might be why it’s so easy to find a museum, historic site, or landmark just about anywhere you are. One of our favorites is this beautiful mansion in New Hampshire sitting on the water just outside of Portsmouth.

The Wentworth–Coolidge Mansion sits directly on Little Harbor, off of the Piscataqua River. It's just a few miles from the center of Portsmouth.
Richard M / TripAdvisor
Named a National Historic Landmark in 1968, this beautiful mansion in New Hampshire is worth exploring.
Heather G / Google
Its most notable inhabitant was colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. Wentworth became royal governor in 1741 when governorship of New Hampshire was separated from what is now Massachusetts.
Kevin Mejia / Google
The Governor lived in Portsmouth at this time, but in 1751 his son began creating what would eventually become the family home.
Chris Fegela / Google

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The grounds include a 100-acre farm along with the 40-room mansion and other buildings. Wentworth officially moved in in 1759.
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site / Facebook
After Wentworth died, the property went to his second wife (about whom Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem!) and it was passed through the family of her next husband until eventually being sold in the 1800s.
Eva Arnold / Google
That's quite a bit of history! But, perhaps most interesting is that by 1840 the home became an example of America's living history, open for the public to see.
Facebook/Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site
It seems this beautiful mansion in New Hampshire has been an attraction for longer than any of us have even been here.
Collin Crowell / Google
Make one visit, and you'll see why. Today, the mansion is open for tours. The grounds are also lovely for exploring.
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site / Facebook
Plan your visit around special events and it's easy to imagine what this mansion might have felt like all the way back in the 1700s.

The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site is open is varying times throughout the year so it’s best to visit the official website to plan your visit. You can also follow them on Facebook for more information and photos. If you have questions, the historic site can be reached on 603-436-2233.

This beautiful mansion in New Hampshire is just one example of architectural history here. If you love this type of exploration, you’ll want to visit these 10 houses in New Hampshire for their incredible pasts.

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Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, 375 Little Harbor Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA