Artemas Ward Homestead - Barn
Address786, Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA, United States of America, 01545
Site Number109C
Building Root Number
06003
Architect (Original)
Unknown
Constructed
1848
Building Acquired 1925
Building Acquired 1925
StatusActive
Site Name HistoryThe site is named after its function. The site is also named for General Artemas Ward, Harvard class of 1748 & 1751. General Ward was a much decorated commander in the American Revolutionary War. He was a commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill and second in seniority only to George Washington.Historical NotesThe Artemas Ward Homestead Barn was originally two barns. In 1848 Thomas Walter Ward II had these barns moved together and expanded. The renovation and expansion of the barn was continued in 1850 with the addition of an old slaughterhouse and a shop repurposed as a corn house and vinegar room.The Barn was given to Harvard by descendants of Artemas Ward.
Additional Information
“Artemas Ward Left Harvard Millions: Advertising Man’s Son to Have $1,000,000 Residuary Estate as Memorial of Ancestor, Revolutionary General.” Boston Daily Globe, 31 Mar. 1926, p. 5.
“Artemas Ward Leaves Bequest to Harvard.” Springfield Republican, 27 Mar. 1925, p. 3.
“Artemas Ward Estate Residue Left to Harvard.” Chicago Daily Tribune, 27 Mar. 1925, p. 1.
Staff, John Lenger Gazette. “This Old House: General’s Historic Homestead, Long a Puzzle for Harvard, Has Potential as Teaching Museum.” Harvard Gazette, May 2003, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2003/05/this-old-house/.
