Gilman Garrison House

Exeter, New Hampshire
1709

In 1709, the Gilman family built a garrison, or fortified structure, near the banks of the Squamscot River, where the family owned lucrative sawmills. The interior of this unusual building reveals walls constructed of massive sawn logs and a pulley above the main entrance that was used to operate a portcullis, or reinforced door. In the mid-eighteenth century, Peter Gilman substantially remodeled the house, adding a wing with elegantly paneled rooms.

Today, visitors experience the house as it was restored by William Dudley, the last owner of the house before Historic New England acquired it in 1966. Dudley created a museum of regional history through the lives of generations of Gilmans and other residents. His installation includes view ports that reveal the fascinating architectural evolution of the garrison house.

Please visit nearby Hamilton House, Jackson House, Gov. John Langdon House, Rundlet-May House, Sarah Orne Jewett House, and Sayward-Wheeler House.

Visit Gilman Garrison House

Open

2012 Schedule

June 2 (free admission) and 3
July 21
August 25
October 13

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tours on the hour. Last tour at 4:00 p.m.

Admission
$5 adults
$4 senior
$2.50 students
Free for Historic New England members and Exeter residents. Become a member.

Location and directions
Gilman Garrison House
12 Water Street
Exeter, N.H. 03833

Map and directions

Directions detail: Take I-95 to New Hampshire Exit 2. Follow Route 101 west 3.5 miles to Route 108 south. Continue one mile to Exeter. Turn right onto High Street. The Gilman Garrison House is three blocks ahead, just after a small bridge.

Parking: There is street parking along Water Street.