The Wayside, Lexington Road, Concord, Middlesex County, MA

Significance: "The Wayside," so named by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was begun by Caleb or Nathaniel Ball circa 1700, and in 1775 was the home of Samuel Whitney, Muster Master of the Concord Minute Men, a member of the Concord Committee of Safety and of the Provincial Congress. It is perhaps more famous as the home of important literary people, including Amos Bronson Alcott, Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Lothrop. The structure is a clear record of changes of technique and style of American building, carefully preserved and thoroughly documented by the present owner. The original structure was a typical two story post and girt wood frame house with gable roof and central fireplace. Additions include two story wings, a three story "tower," and a piazza.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-315
Survey number: HABS MA-551
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 80000356