People

The Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House was made significant by the people who lived and worked within its walls through its 191 years as a residence. George Washington spent a pivotal nine months at his Cambridge headquarters in 1775-6. From 1837 to 1950, three generations of the Longfellow family made the house their home. Click on the people below to learn more about these interesting people.

Poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The beloved American poet made Cambridge his home for more than 45 years.
Wife & Mother
Fanny Longfellow

Henry Longfellow's wife was his domestic and literary partner and an astute observer of antebellum American society.
General
George Washington

In this house, General George Washington shaped the new Continental Army and grew as a leader, commander, and person.
Traveler
Charles Appleton Longfellow

The Longfellows' eldest child served in the Civil War and traveled the world, always seeking adventure.
Artist
Ernest W. Longfellow

The Longfellows' second son trained as an artist and served as a steward of his father's literary legacy.
Philanthropist
Alice Mary Longfellow

The Longfellow's eldest daughter used her status in support of women's education and historic preservation.
Reverend & Biographer
Samuel Longfellow

Henry Longfellow's youngest brother was a Unitarian minister and one of Longfellow's first biographers.
Scholar & Preservationist
Harry Dana

The namesake grandson of the poet lived in the family home and preserved Longfellow's papers and legacy.
Matriarch
Edith Longfellow Dana

The Longfellows' middle daughter kept her family connected throughout her life.
Pillar of the Community
Anne Allegra Longfellow Thorp

The Longfellows' youngest daughter was active in movements for the public good in Cambridge and beyond.