- Built
- c. 1797
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.45 ↗
- Formerly
- 208 High Street
History
This house is typical of the Federal homes built by Newburyport’s wealthy mercantile class at the turn of the nineteenth century. It has the characteristic three stories, a hipped roof, and smaller windows in the third story.
The cornice is mutuled and might have reflected the original Doric order in the central entrance. The present doorway and entrance portico are a later addition. The more elaborate Corinthian order supports the portico. The side doors are original. These doorways are arched and have simple semicircular fanlights over them.
Captain John Buck purchased this parcel of land from the heirs of Cutting Bartlet in 1797. Shortly thereafter, he built this house at the corner of High Street, which would be called Buck Street. John Buck was an early member of the Phenix Fire Society, established in 1794. He was also probably quite active in Newburyport’s ocean-going trade, as were so many High Street residents of the period.
In about 1820, Captain John Wells purchased this house. Wells was born in Newburyport in 1784. He was active in commercial affairs and was captured by the British in 1812 while commanding the Brig Leader. Later, he owned several ocean-going vessels. Wells was a member of the Newburyport Marine Society. He was also elected president of the Merchants Bank when it was incorporated in 1831. In 1833, he was elected president of the Ocean Bank. Wells lived in the house at 218 High Street until he died in 1875.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 51-15 · Zone R2
Zoning Board of Appeals decides
Listed as contributing in 1984, so removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, counted cumulatively since 2014 and including walls enclosed by an addition or openings filled in, needs a DCOD special permit; the Board may grant one only if the building retains no substantial remaining market value or reasonable use. The Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing siding, or windows and doors in their openings, does not count.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1797, 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. In the DCOD the wall test goes to the Zoning Board instead; the Commission keeps roofline, roof pitch and dormer work. 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 →
More photos
3 views · Biff Bouse
Details
1 close-up
From the archive
3 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.45
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 8 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)