Explore a piece of Massachusetts history on this bucolic estate, first settled by Oliver Ames, Governor of the Commonwealth in the late 19th century.
Arriving in Easton in the early 19th century, the Ames family earned national renown through a shovel manufacturing company that supplied tools for the Civil War and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The property on Oliver Street was home to Oliver Ames, who served as Massachusetts’ 35th governor, from 1887 to 1890.
The Trustees’ connections with the family go back to the organization’s inception: it was founded in the Boston offices of Frederick Lothrop Ames, the builder of the Langwater Estate and the cousin of Governor Ames. Now, in the heart of the North Easton National Historic District, the cultural legacies of the Ames family live on at the 36-acre estate.
Take a leisurely exploration of the sweeping arboretum-style lawns, the elegant 19th-century stone stable, an agricultural field, meadows, brook, garden pond, and other features. Unfurl a blanket for a picnic with friends, examine the centuries-old trees dotting the property, and extend the day with side trips to the Easton Historical Society and Easton Children’s Museum.
FREE to all.
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.
35 Oliver St.
Easton, MA 02356
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Rt. 93: Take Rt. 93 to Rt. 24 South. Take exit 33B to merge onto Rt. 123 West/ Belmont Street toward Easton. Follow for 1.6 mi. Turn right onto Rt. 138 North/Washington Street. Follow for 1.2 mi. and turn left onto Main Street. Follow for 0.8 mi. and turn right onto Sullivan Ave. Follow for 0.1 mi. and continue onto Mechanic Street for 0.1 mi. Turn right onto Oliver Street, take first left to stay on Oliver Street. Parking will be on right.
The designed landscape at The Governor Ames Estate was laid out by Governor Oliver Ames and his son Oakes between the period of 1860 and 1910. It was designed in a style that evoked an idyllic, naturalistic setting and an enhanced interpretation of nature. The site’s natural resources were carefully manipulated and artfully developed to provide a setting, separated from, but adjacent to, the industrial village and mills that produced the financial means necessary to create the estate. Today the property is managed as a landscaped arboretum, one of our public garden properties.
The property’s English Landscape School design style is typically associated with English country estate parkland of the 18th century and became increasingly popular in the late 19th century in the United States for public parks and private estate design through the influence of Frederick Law Olmsted, Andrew Jackson Downing, and others.
Some of the key elements of the design include densely planted property borders that screen out nearby distractions and create a sense of serenity. The boundary screening does not, however, completely envelope the landscape. Instead, the village center, mill pond, and neighboring 19th-century buildings create scenic vistas, particularly from the primary views of the former house (now the tent site) that visually and philosophically link the estate with the village center and the industrial complex that raised the family’s economic success.
This is a landscape to be experienced, with views and vistas that change with each turn of the path. Elements within the landscape, both natural and cultural, are arranged to piqué interest, encourage exploration, and enhance a pleasurable tour. Utilitarian spaces (agricultural fields, mill village, staff quarters, barns, and sheds) flow effortlessly in and out of the views in an arrangement that blurs the lines between form and function.
Accessibility
This property offers accessible parking spots and wheelchair-friendly trails.
A trail map is posted on the bulletin board. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.
Regulations & Advisories
We hope you enjoy your visit. For your safety, and to help protect this unique resource, we ask that you please comply with the following regulations:
The following are prohibited at the estate:
This meandering property is a stone’s throw from the famed Ames shovel factory that supplied tools for the Civil War and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, among other important American events. The Ames’ family influence is still very much evident in the town of Easton. Their name graces the town library and high school, as well as the imposing Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, one of five Henry Hobson Richardson-designed structures in North Easton village.
This is a great place for walking the dog, or having a picnic either on a blanket on the lawn or using one of the many picnic tables along the shore of the pond.
– Darryl Hill, Local guide
