Kentucky Home
The log cabin where Lincoln was born? It’s here.
T
he Forbes clan, ancestors of Senator John Forbes Kerry, grew so rich importing objects from China that the family homestead now is a museum of Asian art, beginning with the pair of lions flanking the doorway to ward off evil spirits. The 19th-century Greek Revival-style mansion is impeccably preserved, right down to the four-story lighthouse-style staircase, deep tin bathtub nestled in a wooden base, bells pulled to summon servants, and other architectural eccentricities. But the greatest eccentricity of all is the exact replica of the Hodgenville, Kentucky, log cabin where Abraham Lincoln was born, built by a Forbes descendant who admired Lincoln. Marcus
Shhhh! There are so many items from the Orient that the house was previously called the China Trade Museum, including decorative tiles on an upstairs porch that wish a visitor infinite good luck, and fine Chinese furniture held together without nails or glue.
Shhhh! The house overlooks Quincy Bay
and the Neponset River, where Forbes’ clipper ships once docked on their return from Asia
and the Neponset River, where Forbes’ clipper ships once docked on their return from Asia
Shhhh! On the very same street is the real-life birthplace of President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Shhh who knew
The original name of the Massachusetts town of Ashland was Unionville, after the Kentucky estate of U.S. senator and secretary of state Henry Clay.
215 Adams St.
Milton,
MA,
02186
617.696.1815
Find on a map|Get directions.
These lines serve the Forbes House. Click to find more secrets on your route.
15 Bus, 24 Bus, 27 Bus, Milton/Red Line
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Get directions to the Forbes House by T.
Find more secrets like Abraham Lincoln, Asian, China trade, Historic, Historic house, History, Presidents
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Sunday tours at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
Thursday tours at noon, 1, and 2 p.m.
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