In 1726, a grand residence was constructed on the grounds of Harvard University. Named after Benjamin Wadsworth, the president of Harvard at the time, the house, with its yellow colonial walls, stood proudly at 1341 Massachusetts Avenue, just inside the Class of 1857 gate, as a symbol of academic leadership and history.

The Wadsworth House was not just a home; it was a witness to the unfolding of American history. In its early years, it served as the residence for Harvard presidents, a tradition that continued until 1849. The walls of this house heard the plans to oust King George from Boston take shape in its parlor, and it welcomed many notable figures, including Abigail Adams and James Warren.

One of the most significant moments in the house’s history was when General George Washington used it as his headquarters. On July 3, 1775, he rode out from the Wadsworth House to the Cambridge Common to take command of the Revolutionary troops.

Over time, the Wadsworth House transformed from a presidential abode to a place bustling with student boarders, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, and visiting preachers. By the 1900s, it had transitioned into a workspace for staff and faculty, housing offices such as the Harvard Alumni Association and Commencement offices.

Today, the Wadsworth House continues to stand as a beacon of Harvard’s rich history. It houses the offices of the University Marshal, Commencement, and colleagues in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Even as it undergoes renovations, the spirit of the house remains, echoing the lives of those who walked its halls and the events that shaped the nation.