The “Old Chelmsford” Garrison House
In 1691-1692, the town of Chelmsford encompassed not only the Chelmsford of today, but all of what is now Westford and Lowell as well. British soldiers were garrisoned at 19 locations in Chelmsford, partly to protect the colonists who feared potential attack, and partly to insure that the colonists remained loyal to the British king. One of the garrisons was the building now known as the "Old Chelmsford" Garrison House. This lovely old building is a museum piece, a rare example of where and how the common family lived in colonial days.
Architecturally, the building is a real gem, boasting a chamfered summer beam almost 17 inches wide, gun-stock posts, 33 inch wide paneling, hand-split lath, and a great central chimney constructed entirely of fieldstone set on a 12 foot square base.
The house was used as a family dwelling until the 1950s. Amazingly, over a span of almost 300 years the house was owned by only three families prior to the title passing to the Garrison House Association in 1959. It was modified surprisingly little over the years, although some modifications were made.
The exact date of construction is unknown. We do know that Thomas Adams obtained the land as a grant from the town of Chelmsford and in 1683, five years before his death, he conveyed the land to his son Peletiah. In 1702, Peletiah deeded the land and house to his sons, Thomas and Peletiah Jr., and the two families shared the house. The "saltbox" addition in the rear dates from this period.
Benjamin Heywood of Billerica acquired the property in 1728. His descendants sold it to John and Sara McCormick in 1922. The "Old Chelmsford" Garrison House association was formed in 1959 to restore and preserve the house. The house was gifted by W. C. Lahue, Inc., who purchased the house that year from Mrs. McCormick.