Fall River, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in history, known for its vibrant past and rich architectural heritage. The city’s historic homes offer a fascinating glimpse into different eras, showcasing various architectural styles and telling stories of the people who lived in them. Join us on a journey through time as we explore some of Fall River’s most iconic and historic homes, each one a testament to the city’s enduring charm and character.
1. The Lafayette-Durfee House
One of Fall River’s oldest and most cherished landmarks, the Lafayette-Durfee House, dates back to around 1750. This Georgian-style home is named after its notable residents, including Colonel Joseph Durfee, a Revolutionary War hero. The house is a prime example of early American architecture, featuring a symmetrical façade, classic gable roof, and original wooden shingles. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the colonial period and the Revolutionary War’s impact on Fall River.
2. The Quequechan Club
Founded in 1861, the Quequechan Club is housed in a stunning Gothic Revival mansion built in 1872. The home originally belonged to Richard Borden, a prominent industrialist and one of Fall River’s most influential figures. The Gothic Revival style is characterized by its pointed arches, steep gables, and intricate woodwork. The Quequechan Club has retained much of its original grandeur, with elegant interiors and beautifully landscaped grounds, making it a popular venue for events and social gatherings.
3. The Lizzie Borden House
Perhaps the most infamous home in Fall River, the Lizzie Borden House, is known worldwide for the notorious double homicide that occurred there in 1892. Built in 1845, this Greek Revival house was the residence of Andrew Borden and his family. The architectural style is marked by its symmetrical shape, heavy cornices, and wide friezes. Today, the Lizzie Borden House operates as a bed-and-breakfast and museum, drawing visitors intrigued by its dark history and the enduring mystery of the Borden case.
4. The Fall River Historical Society
The Fall River Historical Society, founded in 1921, proudly stands as the oldest cultural institution in Fall River, Massachusetts and offers invaluable support to scholars, researchers, museums, historical societies, and the vibrant local community. The FRHS is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of Fall River’s history whose collections span costumes, decorative arts, furniture, photographs, manuscripts, and more.
Housed in a French Second Empire mansion, significant for its role in the Underground Railroad, the mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features stunning period interiors. The grounds are equally impressive, with Victorian gardens that provide a picturesque venue for events, including weddings and cocktail parties.
5. The William Lindsey House
It was designed by Rhode Island architect Russell Warren in 1844 for William Lindsey, a local merchant. It is one of seven extant monumental temple-fronted Greek Revival houses in Fall River. One of a cluster of outstanding Greek Revival houses on North Main Street, built by early mill-owners and prosperous merchants in the downtown area after the 1843 fire.
Conclusion
Fall River’s historic homes offer more than just architectural beauty; they are windows into the city’s rich and varied past. From the colonial Lafayette-Durfee House to the opulent French Second Empire Mansion of the Fall River Historical Society, each historic home tells a unique story of the people and events that have shaped Fall River. Exploring these iconic homes allows us to appreciate the city’s heritage and the architectural splendor that has been preserved through the centuries. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about Fall River’s past, these historic homes provide a captivating journey through time.