The William Hickling Prescott House, located at 55 Beacon St. across from the Boston Common, is a federal style house built in 1808 by Asher Benjamin for a rich Boston merchant named James Smith Coburn (1780-1859). Its most famous occupant was William Hickling Prescott (1796-1859).

Prescott was a Spanish historian highly respected in his time and still in print today. The house is also the headquarters of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Massachusetts and is available for catered events.

Hours: May through October, Wed., Thurs., Sat. 12-4 PM. Group tours and rates available upon request 617-742-3190. Fax 617-722-9702