Literature Trail

John Greenleaf Whittier

The great abolitionist poet, journalist, and essayist John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-92) lived in this Amesbury home for most of his adult life. Known as the Quaker Poet, Whittier was born in Haverhill and moved to Amesbury in 1836 at the age of twenty-nine. He also enjoyed summer retreats at his "country seat," Oak Knoll, in Danvers.

One of Whittier's most famous poems, "Snowbound: A Winter Idyll," tells of his memories of a fantastic childhood snowstorm and its evocative imagery crisply captures the magic and power of a New England blizzard, as the family gathers with cider and chestnuts around the hearth while the wind shakes the windowpanes.

What matter how the night behaved? What matter how the north-wind raved? Blow high, blow low, not all its snow Could quench our hearth-fire's ruddy glow.

He was an editor of area newspapers including the Essex Gazette and the Anti-Slavery Reporter, served in the state legislature where he championed abolition, and co-founded the venerable Atlantic Monthly magazine. 2007 marks the bicentennial of Whittier's birth. Learn more about events taking place in Amesbury and Haverhill to celebrate his life and legacy.

Special events:
Celebrate John Greenleaf Whittier’s 200^th anniversary all summer long at sites in Amesbury and Haverhill. For details, visit:
www.whittierhome.org (Amesbury)
www.johngreenleafwhittier.com (Haverhill)

Home of John Greenleaf Whittier
Address: 86 Friend Street, Amesbury
Phone: 978-388-1337
Website: http://www.whittierhome.org
Hours: May 1-October 31, Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4, last tour at 3:15
Admission: Adults $3.50, children $1

John Greenleaf Whittier Gravesite
Address: Union Cemetery, Route 110, Amesbury

Amesbury Public Library
Address: 149 Main Street, Amesbury
Phone: 978-388-8148
Website: www.amesburylibrary.org
(The library contains works by John Greenleaf Whittier.)