The house was built in 1828 by the Coolidge family. In 1835, Ralph Waldo Emerson acquired the house and six acres of land. He and his second wife moved in the day after their wedding, along with his mother. He lived there until his death in 1882. He paid $3500 for the house but immediately made alterations to the house and gardens. He later purchased another 11 acres, including Walden Pond. He wrote many works at 'Bush' as they called the house, and entertained the literati of Concord. The Ralph Waldo Emerson House is still owned by the family and is operated as a private museum.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.