Welcome to the Mather Homestead! This home was built almost 250 years ago in 1778 during the Revolutionary War. The original house included the main box - not the two additional wings which were added on ~100 years ago. The house is a typical ‘salt box’ structure with rooms around a central fireplace which was the only source of heat. It is considered one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture, a wood frame structure with two stories plus a basement and an attic. The house did not have running water or indoor bathrooms. It was built by Joseph and Sarah Mather on 100 acres of land that he inherited from his mother and it was a working farm. They built the house in this location, four miles from the shoreline hoping it was a safe distance from the Tories, who were loyal to the King of England, who were raiding homes along the shoreline during the Revolutionary War.

Joseph Mather was the son of Moses Mather, the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery Patriot who was very actively opposed to the Tories and fought in several Revolutionary War campaigns.

Stephen Mather added on the two wings in 1927 - One wing included a kitchen with guest room, bathrooms and two ‘servants’ bedrooms above. The other wing included the covered porch and later a bedroom above.

The home became a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1963 and was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, after seven generations of Mather family ownership, it was donated to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum for public education and deemed a Darien Protected Landmark.

The interior of the house is filled with original furnishings, family heirlooms and interesting artifacts from the original times of the house. Tours of the interior are offered by appointment. Check out the website for more details! https://www.matherhomestead.org/.

Please proceed to Site #2: The Well - which is on the other side of the house.