- Built
- c. 1790
- Style
- Late Georgian Georgian
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.65 ↗
History
This house is an excellent example of the fine Georgian mansions built in Newburyport by the wealthy mercantile class at the end of the eighteenth century. Although the gambrel roof is often associated with an earlier date, this form persisted and was popular in Newburyport through the turn of the nineteenth century.
The Little-Potter house has the delicate, solid symmetry typical of the Georgian style. The cornice moulding and window surrounds are classically inspired yet executed very simply. The most elaborate feature of the building is the doorway, indicating that it was built during the Federal style’s popularity. The door is flanked by sidelights and has an elegant portico. This portico is pedimented and is supported by the Roman Doric order. This house has some fine interior details, which are also Federal in style.
In 1780, Jacob Coffin purchased this parcel of land from his father, Benjamin. Coffin owned the property until 1792, and it is assumed that he built this house. When the land was sold to Jacob Little in 1792, it included a dwelling.
Jacob Little was a prominent shipowner, and in 1822, he established himself as a broker on Wall Street. His business prospered, as it had in Newburyport. The Little family owned the house until 1878. At that time, it was sold. The house had several subsequent owners before being purchased by James Lee Potter.
Mr. and Mrs. James Potter moved into the Jacob Little House on August 23, 1923. At that time, Mr. Potter was an employee of the Haverhill Gas Company. He later took up employment in the investment field in Boston.
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 68-123 · 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. 1790, 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
8 views · Biff Bouse
From the archive
1 item · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.65