In a trip that celebrated both history and poetry - our 3rd grade visited the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House on Brattle Street before April vacation. The house celebrates a rich history. It was built in 1759 for John Vassall, a merchant and ardent loyalist, and he lived there until he was forced to flee to England in 1774. General George Washington arrived in Cambridge July of 1775 to command the Continental Army and moved into the large home on the Charles River. He and Martha stayed until the British evacuated in March 1776. Longfellow moved into the home in 1843 - after receiving the house as a wedding gift from his father-in-law Nathan Appleton. Longfellow then turned to writing full-time. The third grade learned the history of this house and scholar - and read a poem in every room they visited!