The John Cabot House
The Cabots were merchants and mariners who came to Massachusetts in the 17th century, settling first in Salem
John Cabot (1744-1821), son of Joseph and Elizabeth Cabot, was born in Salem, part of large family of 11 children. His father and grandfather were successful merchants. John attended Harvard College, graduating in 1763. Following his father’s death, John’s mother moved to Beverly with her children in 1768. (One son stayed in Salem in the family home.) In the 1770s, she built a house at the corner of Cabot and Central Streets where the candy shop parking lot is today. During the Revolution, John Cabot and his brothers owned shares in many privateer vessels, and they made a great deal of money. The house was built in 1781. The parlor was a formal room, used to entertain guests. John Cabot was married twice. First to Mary Cox and they had one son Samuel; After Mary’s death John married Hannah Dodge. They had seven children – only three survived childhood Fanny, John and Lucy.
History
Following the death of Joseph Cabot in 1768, his widow moved to Beverly with 8 of her 9 surviving children. Her son, John, built the house that has been Historic Beverly’s headquarters since 1892.
The John Cabot House is a Georgian-style mansion built in 1781 during the Revolutionary War; it was the first brick mansion built in Beverly. The wealth of the Cabot family is reflected in the architecture of the house, the beautifully carved paneling, and decorations such as the Dutch tiles surrounding the fireplace. It would have been furnished with elegant furniture and decorative objects from around the world; a showplace to emphasize the success of John Cabot.
The Beverly Bank was founded here in 1802 and conducted business in this building until it moved to another building on Cabot Street in 1868. The property was willed to the historical society in 1892 by then owner Edward Burley. It now serves as a museum of Beverly history, a research center, and a regional visitor center.
Included with your visit is a selection of Revolutionary War Spotlight Talks! The 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War is fast approaching, and we offer a selection of 15-minute related object talks for you to choose from.