Ralph Inman House

Ralph Inman was a wealthy merchant and prominent Tory who lived in Cambridge during the pre-Revolutionary era. He was a founder of Christ Church and its first treasurer. In 1756, he purchased a 180-acre estate that amounted to half of what is now the Cambridgeport area. Like the other Cambridge Tories, Inman was known for his grandiose lifestyle. When his son, George, graduated from Harvard College in 1772, Inman threw a lavish party that boasted a 347-person guest list.

After the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Inman chose to remain in Boston, believing that Cambridge was too dangerous. His wife, however, remained at their Cambridge property in an effort to prevent its confiscation by local patriot leaders. However, following the Battle of Bunker Hill, records indicate that Mrs. Inman temporarily left the Cambridge estate, staying most of her time at their Milton property, returning to Cambridge now and then. Upon her departure, the mansion and its grounds were taken over by 3,460 soldiers under the command of Colonel Sargeant, and renamed Barrack #1. In the spring of 1776, the Inman house became the headquarters of General Israel Putnam, a commanding officer from Connecticut.

George Inman, Ralph’s son, joined the loyalist cause and fought on the British side throughout the Revolution. After the American colonial victory, the Inmans were one of the few Tory families whose property was returned to them.

 

The Inman Diaries

George Inman's account of the Revolutionary War.