Older Than Independence Day! 5 Historic Homes That Pre-Date the Very First Fourth of July Celebrations 

Every year on the Fourth of July, the country celebrates the declaration of its independence from British rule—with 2025 marking the 249th anniversary of this auspicious occasion.

Though Independence Day was only made a federal holiday in 1941, its traditions date back centuries, to 1776, when Congress voted in favor of independence on July 2.

Two days later, representatives from the country’s 13 colonies (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document that had been drawn up by Thomas Jefferson.

Ever since, July Fourth has served as the official anniversary of American independence—and while the celebrations may have evolved over the years, with many now choosing to mark that date with barbecues, fireworks, and parades, the sentiment remains much the same as it did in 1776.

Many reminders of that time remain to this day—including the original Declaration of Independence, which is stored at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

But there are also several homes dotted across the country that not only date back to 1776 but actually pre-date the first-ever Fourth of July celebrations, with a few even available on the market today.

From Virginia to Connecticut, these antique abodes dating back to 1715 have been thoughtfully modernized over the years while taking great care to preserve their storied history.

1. 315 Ganders Dr, Luray, VA

Price: $1,850,000

Built in 1735: The original log cabin that once sat solely on the 24.27-acre Shenandoah Valley property has been renovated into a four-bedroom homestead.

Found throughout the idyllic 3,596-square-foot farmhouse are exposed-beam wood ceilings and hardwood floors. According to the listing, the home was built by one of the first settlers in Page County.

For a real throwback, a buyer could sustainably live here like an early settler after expanding the orchard, adding a greenhouse, and fishing for fresh catch from the nearby Shenandoah River.

2. 350 Beartown Mountain Rd, Monterey, MA

Price: $885,000

Built in 1750: This 275-year-old Colonial is one of the oldest homes in Monterey, according to the listing.

The enchanting, three-bedroom dwelling still has wide-plank floors, exposed beams, and two fireplaces throughout its 2,634-square-foot interior. Modernizations over the years now offer an updated kitchen, a home generator, and additional bonus rooms that could be used as a home office or yoga studio.

Located on 28.04 acres near Lake Garfield, the spacious property with two ponds and two brooks abuts the 12,000-acre Beartown State Forest.

3. 6 Lee St, Marblehead, MA

Price: $1,776,000

Built in 1721: It doesn’t get much more patriotic than this 304-year-old home’s asking price.

The next buyer will enjoy the recent $71,500 price chop on this delightful four-bedroom residence that was also where Capt. Nicholas Broughton called home from 1759 to 1798. Historic highlights within the 3,107-square-foot interior include wide-pine floors, custom wood paneling, exposed beams, built-in cabinetry, and seven fireplaces with beehive ovens. There is also a two-car detached garage with a finished area above that could be used as a home office or fitness center.

Views of the harbor can be enjoyed from the patio and private yard.

4. 247 Mill Rd, New Canaan, CT

Price: $2,450,000

Built in 1735: While this 4,296-square-foot residence has been renovated and added onto over the years by “master craftsmen and curated by a world-renowned antiques expert,” it still maintains its historic authenticity.

The charming four-bedroom estate has four fireplaces with ornate mantels, built-in cabinetry, and wide-plank floors. A living room/primary bedroom wing and a glass-enclosed family room were added on to the existing home and a chef’s kitchen has been modernized to now offer a center island with stainless steel appliances.

A rebuilt, two-story barn with one-bedroom guest suite can also be found on the 1.18-acre lot that also overlooks the Silvermine River.

5. 64 Old Kings Hwy S, Darien, CT

Price: $1,375,000

Built in 1715: The Quintard-Frost House is a five-bedroom Dutch Colonial filled with period details, including original wide-plank floors, wood-clad walls, exposed beams, and an antique bar with a fireplace.

The beautiful 3,327-square-foot residence features a cozy living room with a walk-in fireplace and beehive oven. An intimate dining room has built-in cabinetry. The nearby eat-in kitchen boasts a wood-burning stove, direct access to a second staircase leading to the bedrooms, and French doors that open up to the back deck.

A covered terrace and sunny patio overlook the private, tree-lined yard.