The Pierce Homestead was built in 1804 by Benjamin Pierce, a general in the American Revolution, twice governor of New Hampshire (1827-28, 1829-30), and father of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States (1853-57). Franklin Pierce was born in Hillsborough November 23, 1804 and the family occupied this dwelling shortly thereafter. The Franklin Pierce Homestead was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and was automatically listed on the National Register in 1966 when the Register was started.