The Azubah/Hiawatha House serves as a significant historical landmark in Chatham, encapsulating the rich narratives of its former residents and their connection to the broader history of Cape Cod.

Built in 1838 by James S. Taylor upon his marriage to Azubah Collins Atwood, this house not only showcases classic architectural features but also the story of a family shaped by the sea and the arts.

James S. Taylor, born in 1816, was a master mariner whose life at sea concluded with his death from lung congestion in 1861. Azubah, his widow, inherited the house and later remarried in 1867 to Giddings Ballou, son of Reverend Hosea Ballou, the first president of Tufts College. Giddings Ballou was not only involved with the Bureau of Agriculture in Washington D.C. but was also a noted portrait painter whose works continue to adorn Chatham. Additionally, he contributed to the community as a teacher at the Monomoy Point School, earning $35 a year plus room and board, until his death in 1886.

The house saw multiple changes through the decades; in 1908, Azubah was compelled to auction off her household goods to settle back taxes—a portion of these items now resides at the Chatham Historical Society. Azubah lived until 1912, dying at the age of 94.

Post Azubah’s era, the house changed hands several times. In 1925, and again in 1936, it was sold, with one of the buyers being a professor from Yale University. Later, it transformed into a guest house named "Hiawatha," operated by Robert and Priscilla Jones for several years until its sale in 1962. The rare backyard terrace of the house, was created using the original granite foundation blocks.

Today, Azubah rests in the Atwood plot off Route 28, between her first husband James S. Taylor and her second husband Giddings Ballou, symbolically connecting her story to the land that holds the history of their lives together. The Azubah/Hiawatha House not only serves as a physical memorial to these interconnected lives but also as a historical record of the rich cultural tapestry of Chatham.

This home is perfect for large groups or family reunions, the home comfortably accommodates up to 15 guests in seven elegantly furnished bedrooms. Each space has been designed with privacy and comfort in mind, ensuring a relaxing stay for all.

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