The Jeremiah Hart House is a historic residential building located in the The Hill district of downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. Constructed in the late 18th century, the house is an exemplar of late Georgian urban architecture.
Location
The house stands at The Hill, a cluster of historic homes bounded by Deer Street to the north and High Street to the east in Portsmouth. Its coordinates are 43° 4′ 43″ N, 70° 45′ 36″ W.
Architectural description
The structure is a 2½‑story wood‑frame building with a side‑gabled roof, clapboard siding, and a central chimney. The main façade is four bays wide with an asymmetrical window arrangement flanking a centrally placed entrance. The entrance is accented by pilasters, a transom window, an entablature, and a full gabled pediment. Interior features include original woodwork and a narrow three‑run staircase in the entrance vestibule.
Historical context
Originally situated on Deer Street, the house was likely built in the last quarter of the 18th century, possibly by master builder Michael Whidden, who lived across the street. In the mid‑20th century, a road‑widening project relocated the house, along with several neighboring structures, to its present position within The Hill historic district.
Preservation status
The Jeremiah Hart House was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on November 14, 1972, under reference number 72000081. It contributes to the understanding of Portsmouth’s architectural and urban development during the Georgian period.
Significance
The house is recognized for its well‑preserved Georgian characteristics, its association with early Portsmouth residential patterns, and its role in the collective historic landscape of The Hill. It remains a notable example of the city’s historic preservation efforts.
