By Theresa Knapp

Hundreds of history buffs gathered online on Feb. 13 to follow the route down the “indifferent road’’ George Washington traveled in 1789 when he returned to New York at the end of his post-inaugural visit to New England as the country’s first president. 

The event was hosted by the historical societies of Holliston, Natick and Sherborn, plus the Sherborn Library. 

The hour-long virtual presentation was attended by nearly 250 people, and highlighted areas and properties (some still standing) that Washington would likely have seen as he traveled through the area 232 years ago, including: 

Natick: 

Morse-Dana-Leach House, 3 Eliot Street (1759) 

Morrill Tavern (1782) - no longer standing, now Shaw Park

Jeremiah Bacon House, 185 Eliot Street (1752)

Sherborn: 

Sycamore tree at junction of North Main Street and Coolidge Street, across from Dowse Orchards. The last one of four planted by Joseph Dowse when he returned from the Revolutionary War. 

Joseph Dowse House, 100 North Main Street (rear built in 1780s)

Samuel Bullard House, 33 North Main Street 

Sanger Inn tea cups and saucers, Washington used one of them 

Holliston: 

Alden Leland House, 15 Church Place (1780)

Oliver Leland House, 939 Washington Street (1790)

Jonathan Cutler House, 1380 Washington Street (ell, 1730) 

Ephraim Littlefield Tavern (1688-1710)

The “indifferent road” refers to an entry Washington made in his diary on Friday, Nov. 6, 1789, as he chose a route he hoped was more scenic than the principal road: 

“A little after seven o’clock, under great appearances of rain or snow, we left Watertown, and passing through Needham (five miles therefrom) breakfasted at Sherburn [sic], which is 14 miles from the former. Then passing through Holliston, 5 miles, Milford 6 more, Menden 4 more, and Uxbridge 6 more, we lodged at one Taft’s, 1 mile further; the whole distance of this day’s travel being 36 miles. From Watertown, till you get near Needham, the road is very level – about Needham it is hilly – then level again, and the whole pleasant and well cultivated, till you pass Sherburne [sic]; between this and Holliston is some hilly and rocky ground, as there is in places onwards to Uxbridge; some of wch [sic], are very bad. Upon the whole it may be called an indifferent road [emphasis added] – diversified by good and bad land – cultivated and in woods – some high and barren, and others low, wet and piney.”

George Washington Diaries, Vol. IV, 1748-1799.

To watch the virtual presentation, learn more about Washington’s travels, review online historical resources, or learn how to research your own home, visit the Natick Historical Society at https://bit.ly/3oQLTiM