Architectural Story
This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is 18th century.
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Restoration Story
In 1971, NRF moved this structure to the public-facing Lot 1 of Prescott Farm. It was restored and interpreted as if it housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Overing House.
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People Story
The Guard House site represents the event for which Prescott Farm has been named (and called by locals for centuries): the capture of British Army General Prescott on July 10, 1777. General Prescott had moved his headquarters out of Newport and into the country to the Overing House. When word reached Patriot commander Lt. Col. William Barton of Prescott’s vulnerability in the country, he undertook a kidnapping mission to capture the British General and exchange him for captured Patriot General Lee. This was an important early morale booster for Patriots in the American Revolution.
