Faulkner Homestead

Along a roadside in Acton stands a metal tercentenary marker with the dates 1630 – 1930 at the top. Those dates do not refer to the homestead itself, but to the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. In 1930, towns across Massachusetts participated in that statewide commemoration by placing roadside signs at sites connected to their early colonial history. Acton chose to mark this one: Faulkner Homestead

The land identified by the marker was part of early settlement in what was originally Concord’s outlying territory before Acton was incorporated in 1735. The Faulkner family were early residents of this area.

The reference to a garrison house built before 1700 indicates that a fortified dwelling once stood near this site. Garrison houses were reinforced homes constructed during the late 17th century. According to the marker, Faulkner operated a sawmill, grist mill and woolen mill. Mills were essential in early New England settlements. The sawmill would have processed timber, the grist mill, grain and the woolen mill, textiles. These mills would have been important in local self-sufficiency.

Today this marker has become a part of the historical landscape and reflects 17th and early 18th century life as well as the 20th century effort to document and preserve local memory.