Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site

Available Activities

Hiking

New Hampshire’s Presidential Birthplace — 14th President Franklin Pierce Childhood Home, 1804 National Historic Landmark, Guided Tours, Barn Welcome Center, Hillsborough

Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site is a 13-acre state historic site in Hillsborough, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. The site preserves the childhood home of Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States — a National Historic Landmark built in 1804 by his father Benjamin Pierce (NH Governor), featuring guided tours of the Federal-style mansion, a barn welcome center with displays and artifacts, a gift shop, picnic area, and educational programs.

The Franklin Pierce Homestead is where America’s 14th President grew up — a Federal-style mansion built in 1804 by his father, Benjamin Pierce, who served as Governor of New Hampshire. The home is a National Historic Landmark and one of only a few presidential childhood homes preserved in their original setting. Guided tours take visitors through the restored rooms, sharing stories of Pierce’s formative years, his path to the presidency (1853–1857), and the family’s role in New Hampshire politics. The converted barn serves as a welcome center with displays, artifacts, and a gift shop. The site is a designated Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active military and their families. The homestead can be rented for small private functions.

Things to Do

Historic Tours

Guided mansion tours — Federal-style rooms
Presidential history interpretation
Benjamin Pierce (Governor) family history
Private/group tours available

Museum & Exhibits

Barn welcome center — displays + artifacts
Gift shop
Educational programs
Blue Star Museum

Grounds

13-acre setting
Picnic area
Historic landscape

Park Information

Feature	Details
Location	301 2nd NH Turnpike, Hillsborough, NH 03244
President	Franklin Pierce — 14th President (1853–1857)
Built	1804 by Benjamin Pierce (NH Governor)
Designation	National Historic Landmark
Acreage	13 acres
Tours	Guided — mansion interior
Welcome Center	Converted barn — displays, artifacts, gift shop
Blue Star	Free for active military + families
Facilities	Restrooms, picnic area, bus parking
Rentals	Available for small private functions
Phone	(603) 478-3165
Coordinates	43.1164° N, 71.9506° W

Best Time to Visit

Season	Highlights	Considerations
Summer (Jun–Aug)	⭐ BEST: Full tour schedule; gardens in bloom; special events; combine with NH lakes	Popular; book group tours in advance
Fall (Sep–Oct)	New England foliage; beautiful grounds; cooler tours; photography	Check reduced hours after Labor Day
Spring (May–Jun)	Reopening; quiet; spring flowers; educational programs	Limited early-season hours; verify schedule
Winter	Generally CLOSED (Memorial Day–Labor Day season)	Call (603) 478-3165 for off-season availability

Visitor Tips

Guided tours: Guided tours of the mansion interior are the main attraction — call ahead for schedules and group bookings.
Blue Star Museum: Active military and their families receive free admission.
Barn welcome center: Start at the converted barn for historical displays, artifacts, and the gift shop before your tour.
Presidential connection: Franklin Pierce is one of only two Presidents from New Hampshire (the other being Daniel Webster, who never won the presidency).
Carry-In/Carry-Out: The site follows a Carry-In/Carry-Out program — pack out all trash.
Private events: The homestead is available for small private functions and meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife & Nature

Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site — in Hillsborough — preserves the boyhood home of Franklin Pierce (1804-1869), the 14th President of the United States (1853-1857) and the only president from New Hampshire. The 1804 Federal-style mansion — built by his father, General Benjamin Pierce (NH governor) — features period furnishings and interpretive exhibits. The property’s rural farmland supports eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, and red-tailed hawks. White-tailed deer browse in the meadows.

Nearby Attractions

Hillsborough — adjacent — has a covered bridge and Fox State Forest. Henniker — 10 miles east — is the “only Henniker in the world” with New England College. Concord — 20 miles east — is the state capital. Mount Sunapee — 20 miles northwest — has skiing.

Where is the Franklin Pierce Homestead in New Hampshire?

The Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site is located at 301 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike in Hillsborough, NH. This 13-acre National Historic Landmark preserves the childhood home of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. Built in 1804 by his father Benjamin Pierce (Governor of New Hampshire), the Federal-style mansion offers guided tours. A converted barn serves as the welcome center with displays and a gift shop. The site is a Blue Star Museum with free admission for active military. It is generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Last updated: May 2026

Last updated: May 12, 2026