Inn at Ormsby Hill

Category: Marble

Built in 1764, this is one of the oldest structures in Manchester. The original part of the building still contains one of the earliest jail cells in the town (in the basement) complete with the original bars, all marble floor, and marble slab that prisoners slept on. There is evidence that this house may have also served as a safe house for The Underground Railroad. It was later owned by Robert Isham who was a law partner and best friend of Robert Todd Lincoln. Lincoln was a frequent visitor to Ormsby Hill. ). Lincoln loved Manchester so much he asked Isham to sell him some land. Isham replied, You're my best friend and law partner; you're NOT going to be my next-door neighbor. It wasn't until Isham died that Robert Todd Lincoln was able to purchase the land behind Ormsby Hill now known as Hildene.