In 1717, the Proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands of Nantucket laid out the twenty- seven Fish Lots south of Main Street, between the Orange Street bluff and Pine Street. The second major allotment of land lies near the Great Harbor—following the Wesco Acre Lots of 1678.

The Fish Lots were so named because of their original use as sites for drying fish, and were typical of early maritime communities. They quickly filled with dwellings, shops, barns, and even an oil manufactory, but many of the very early buildings are no longer in evidence. The main house was built in 1746, is one of the oldest houses remaining in this section of town.

The home dates back to 1746, when George Hussey built it for his daughter, Dinah (1727–63), and son-in-law Reuben Folger (1722–1808) on land he had inherited in 1718 from his father, Stephen, in the twenty-fifth Fish Lot. He deeded to the young couple the land under their house extending ten feet from the foundation on the east, north, and west sides. Click below to learn more.