- Built
- c. 1802
- Style
- Georgian Georgian
- MACRIS
- NWB.2790 ↗
History
This is one of three homes on Independent Street that date from the eighteenth century.
This area was the land settled by the residents of Newbury when they moved to the “water side.” The fact that the settlement occurred here was most logical, as it was adjacent to both the banks of the Merrimack River and the commercial district in Market Square. These three houses survive, although there were houses across the street in an area of mid-nineteenth-century industrial development.
The house at 10 Independent Street is clearly Georgian in style and appears to have been built in one period. There are two interior indwell chimneys, indicating that the original construction included a center hallway in the house. The doorway of this house is simple in design, with Doric pilasters flanking it.
By 1851, the character of this neighborhood had changed from strictly maritime interests to one influenced by industry. In 1845, the Globe Steam Mills were incorporated. A four-story brick factory for manufacturing cotton cloth was erected the following year on the city bordered by Independent, Water, and Federal Streets.
In 1851, the resident of number 10 Independent was Moses E. Wheeler of the firm Stearns and Wheeler.
After some further research, beyond the MACRIS info above, I found that Moses was likely the original owner of the home, built around 1802. His wife continued to live in one half of the house, and leased the other half in the late mid-to-late nineteenth century.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 16-80-A/B · Zone R2
Zoning Board of Appeals may decide
In the DCOD. Whether removing more than 25% of the exterior walls needs a DCOD special permit depends on the building’s status in the 1984 National Register nomination, which this site has not matched for this lot yet; the Office of Planning and Development keeps the list.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1802, so 75 or more years old: removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, changing the roofline (pitch, towers, cupolas, anything projecting above the roof), moving it, or adding a dormer that misses the setback and pitch rules is "demolition" under the demolition delay ordinance. The Commission holds a hearing within 30 days and may impose a delay of up to 18 months. Parts of the building documented as younger than 75 years are excluded on a written determination by the Zoning Administrator.
Code of Ordinances ch. 5 art. X, §§5-307–5-308 (June 2026) ↗
Zoning Administrator first stop
Every project starts with a zoning determination from the Zoning Administrator, which says which of these reviews apply and whether the work also needs zoning relief (a special permit for a non-conformity, or a variance). Fees, forms and filing deadlines are on the City’s site.
Not legal advice, not an official City publication, and not the position of the Historical Commission or any board. Says what the ordinances say as of September 30, 2026; the Zoning Administrator decides what applies. Boundaries: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission / City of Newburyport GIS (MIMAP); 1984 status from the National Register nomination's district data sheets. City's quick guide to the DCOD and demolition delay ↗ · Do I need approval? Project by project →
From the archive
6 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.2790