Daniel Webster Farm

Sprawling across 141 acres in southern New Hampshire, the Daniel Webster Farm is a classic New England gem—filled with lush green pastures and 11 historic buildings. The farm’s namesake was a noted orator and renowned senator for New Hampshire and Massachusetts who later served as secretary of state to three U.S. presidents. After Webster passed away in 1852, the future of the farm was uncertain. Parts of the property were subdivided; a fire burned down the original house and barn; and the estate was eventually sold several times to different private owners.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that local residents realized the true historic importance of this farm. The Daniel Webster Preservation Trust was formed, and Trust for Public Land helped permanently preserve Webster’s property. The project was funded in part by the USDA Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, supported by the New Hampshire congressional delegation, and completed in partnership with the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, and the Webster Farm Preservation Association.

At one time, a developer had proposed building multiple housing units on the site, and the farm was listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the most endangered historic places in the country. Today, it is still an active farm—and thriving more than ever. Major investments have transformed the 11 historic buildings into the Webster Historical Society and Webster Place, a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center. So many of these treasured, historic properties crumble into the past—never to be seen again. But through community collaboration and passion, Daniel Webster Farm is here to stay.