The Gilman Garrison House and the Gilman Family

A rare example of a fortified home, the Gilman Garrison house is a historical landmark that sits within the heart of Exeter, New Hampshire. Belonging to a vastly successful family of important, early American political figures, the structure has seen many different uses throughout its life, and currently functions as a museum. Additionally, the Gilman family had a presence during The Paper Money Riot of 1786, as Nicholas Gilman Jr. was a member of the NH state legislature, which was surrounded by protestors on the 20 of September before the riot was dispersed.

The Garrison House was built in 1709 by the Gilman family. The house sits on the banks of the

Squamscott River. The Gilman family also owned a very successful sawmill. The Gilmans have

been in America since our nation's founding and have had a role to play in our nation's founding

since the very beginning. John Gilman built the house in 1700 and the house is still standing.

Nicholas Gilman, one of the Gilmans to have lived in the home, became a state treasurer of New

Hampshire. And thus it was decided that the Gilman House would be the treasury to New Hampshire.

Important documents were held here, meetings occurred, and money was stored in the Gilman

house. Meaning that the house would need to be secure from invaders, robbers, etc.

The exterior of this house looks relatively normal; however, the framing of the house is very elaborate. The

house has walls constructed of massive sawn logs. And to add to that already odd detail, the

house also has had a pulley system above the front door that operated a reinforced door. The

house was owned and restored by William Dudley until it was given to Historic New England in

1966. Since being taken over by Historic New England the house has been transformed into an

elaborate museum.

Gilman Garrison House | Historic New England. Accessed November 8th, 2022. https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/gilman-garrison-house/.

The Gilmans of Exeter, Seacost NH. Accessed November 8th, 2022. http://www.seacoastnh.com/the-gilmans-of-exeter/.