Some buildings don’t just house people or businesses. They preserve the heartbeat of history. The oldest structures in the United States are physical links to the past, standing tall as reminders of the courage, craftsmanship, and culture of bygone eras. These buildings tell stories of early settlers, architectural ingenuity, and America’s evolution. Visiting them offers a chance to step out of the present and into the world of the past. Curious about what life looked like centuries ago? These landmarks show a fascinating glimpse. Below, we’ll explore some of the oldest, most fascinating buildings in the U.S., looking at their origins and how they’ve adapted to the present day.

Fairbanks House, Massachusetts

The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts, is widely regarded as the oldest timber-frame house in North America. Built in 1637, this home belonged to the Fairbanks family, who lived there for eight generations. It’s a marvel of early colonial architecture, with its steeply pitched roof and central chimney. Walking through the house today, you’ll see timeless hand-hewn beams and uneven wooden floors that seem to whisper stories of the past. The house also showcases artifacts from the time it was constructed.

  • Built: 1637
  • Originally: A family home for Puritan settlers
  • Now: A museum showcasing colonial life

San Miguel Mission, New Mexico

Nestled in Santa Fe, the San Miguel Mission is considered the oldest church in the United States. This adobe building was constructed by Spanish settlers in 1610 and exemplifies traditional Spanish Colonial architecture. Its simple yet elegant design reflects the merger of Spanish traditions with local materials and techniques. The church has had restoration efforts but still maintains its centuries-old charm. Inside, you’ll find intricate wooden altars and ancient religious artifacts that offer a spiritual glimpse into its storied past.

  • Built: 1610
  • Originally: A Roman Catholic church serving the Spanish community
  • Now: An active church and historical site

Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

The Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest U.S. buildings and a living, breathing testimony to Native American culture. These adobe homes were constructed over 1,000 years ago, around 1000 AD, by the Tiwa-speaking Puebloan people. The multi-story structures, made of sun-dried mud bricks, are still inhabited today. Walking among the pueblo’s earthen walls, you’ll feel a connection to traditions and ways of life that have withstood the test of time.

  • Built: Around 1000 AD
  • Originally: Community housing for the Puebloan people
  • Now: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a functioning community

Old Stone House, Maryland

Located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., the Old Stone House offers a step back into the pre-revolutionary era. Built in 1765, it is the oldest unchanged structure in the area. Despite the hum of the modern city around it, this house has retained much of its original charm, with its thick stone walls and colonial-era furnishings. It’s a reminder of simpler times and the craftsmanship of early American builders.

  • Built: 1765
  • Originally: A family home and shop for a local cabinetmaker
  • Now: A museum managed by the National Park Service

Castillo de San Marcos, Florida

St. Augustine is home to Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Built by the Spanish in 1672, the fort symbolizes St. Augustine's tumultuous history. Designed to withstand sieges and invasions, its coquina stone walls have endured wars, changing flags, and the passage of centuries. Today, visitors can explore its sturdy towers, cannons, and courtyards while learning about its military significance.

  • Built: 1672
  • Originally: A Spanish military fort defending St. Augustine
  • Now: A national monument and tourist attraction

Paul Revere House, Massachusetts

The Paul Revere House in Boston is famously linked to the Revolutionary War. Constructed in 1680, it was home to Paul Revere during his famous "Midnight Ride" in 1775. The house is a prime example of colonial craftsmanship and features simple yet functional woodwork. Standing inside, you’ll feel like history has come alive, imagining Revere preparing for his historic ride that changed the course of American history.

  • Built: 1680
  • Originally: A merchant’s house
  • Now: A museum dedicated to Paul Revere’s legacy

Jamestown Church, Virginia

The Jamestown Church in Virginia harks back to the beginnings of English settlement in America. Built in 1639, it replaced wooden structures within the original Jamestown Colony. Though parts of the church have been reconstructed, visitors can still see the brick tower and foundations that date back nearly four centuries. This site serves as a reminder of the struggles and determination of England’s first permanent settlers.

  • Built: 1639
  • Originally: A church for the Jamestown Colony
  • Now: A historical site within Jamestown Settlement

The Palmer House, Connecticut

The Palmer House, located in historic Stonington, Connecticut, has stood as a testament to colonial architecture since it was constructed in 1653. This saltbox-style home was originally surrounded by farmland and rolling hills. Walking through it today, you’ll see original features like its massive central chimney and hand-planed wooden beams. The Palmer House is a rare and well-preserved example of 17th-century New England architecture.

  • Built: 1653
  • Originally: A farmhouse
  • Now: A historical home preserved by local organizations

Bacon’s Castle, Virginia

Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is one of the oldest brick structures in the United States. Located in Surry County, Virginia, this grand house was owned by a wealthy planter and later occupied during Bacon’s Rebellion (hence the name). Featuring rare Jacobean architecture, the house’s symmetrical design and steep gables distinguish it from other colonial buildings. Visitors can explore its grounds, gardens, and interior exhibits to witness the lifestyle of early Virginians.

  • Built: 1665
  • Originally: A plantation home
  • Now: A museum and Virginia historical landmark

Richard Sparrow House, Massachusetts

Tucked away in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Richard Sparrow House is the oldest surviving house in town. Built in 1640 by Richard Sparrow, an English immigrant, this small Cape Cod-style house provides an intimate look at early settler life. The one-and-a-half-story structure showcases details like its low ceilings and large hearth, designed for practicality rather than comfort. Today, the house serves as a museum and a shop featuring local art.

  • Built: 1640
  • Originally: A settler’s residence
  • Now: A museum and gift shop