William H. Prescott's House – 55 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts

The American historian, William Hickling Prescott, lived at number 55 Beacon Street from 1845-1859. (He was a grandson of the William Prescott who commanded the American soldiers at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and who issued the famous command "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes!")

Prescott was one of the first English-speaking historians to write about the Spanish Empire. His books included histories of the Spanish monarchs and of the conquests of Mexico and Peru. Some have been translated into several languages and remain in print today. He built a rear addition, which included his extensive library on the second floor, and a third floor study, now faithfully restored, where he wrote his History of the Conquest of Peru.

During his lifetime, he was upheld as one of the greatest living American intellectuals, and knew personally many of the leading political figures of the day, in both the United States and Britain. Indeed, William Makepeace Thackery, the author of the novel "Vanity Fair," was a house guest during a visit to America in 1852.

The Prescott house and the adjoining home at 54 Beacon Street, were built in 1808 by the esteemed American architect Asher Benjamin and are highlighted by two bow-fronts. These Federal period twin houses overlook Boston Common. The land was once owned by John Singleton Copley, America’s most accomplished colonial portrait painter.