About The Oldest Farm In America
John Tuttle received a grant from King Charles II to start a farm
A farm is commonly defined as a plot of land that is used for growing food crops and offers products produced by livestock. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the year.
Tendercrop Farm (formerly named Tuttle Farm) is the oldest farm in America. It is described as the oldest working farm in the United States by the New Hampshire Historical Society. It is defined as America's oldest continuously family owned and operated farm by the Dover Public Library. Farm Show Magazine recognizes Tendercrop Farm as the oldest farm in America.
In 1632, John Tuttle arrived from England to a settlement near the Maine-New Hampshire border. He received a grant from King Charles II to start a farm using a small plot of land between two rivers. The farm played a vital role in the local economy and food supply during the early years of settlement.
John Tuttle was shipwrecked off the Maine coast before arriving at his land grant, which boasted a mature stand of white pine trees. He cut them down and farmed around the stumps, starting what would become 250 years' worth of subsistence farming by Tuttles.
William Penn Tuttle built the original 20-acre parcel to about 200 acres, growing more produce than the family needed and selling it in nearby towns - first on a horse and buggy. The first building in the 50s with an expanded newer building in 1987, and this quickly became a recognized landmark and a successful retail operation.
Will Tuttle (William Penn Tuttle III) was the last Tuttle owner of Tuttle Farm. Will Tuttle and his older sister, Lucy Alger Tuttle, were the co-owners of Tuttle's Red Barn. Members of the Tuttle family owned the 135-acre farm in Dover since 1632 which makes it America's oldest continuously operated farm.
In 2007, Will Tuttle sold a conservation easement on the Tuttle Farm to the Strafford Rivers Conservancy for $2.79 million, with funding provided by the City of Dover ($1.195 million), the New Hampshire Department of Transportation ($1.34 million) and the Federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program ($155,643).
Over time, the farm added prepared foods, a butcher bar, seasonal activities like corn mazes and sunflower festivals, and a diverse array of grocery items, plants, and gifts. The Red Barn itself, a striking symbol of Dover’s agricultural heritage, became a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike.
In July of 2010 the farm was put up for sale and the 11-generation family farm was sold. The property was sold to the current owner, leading to what we know today as Tendercrop Farm. They put the fruit-and-vegetable farm up for sale as they dealt with competition from supermarkets, pick-it-yourself farms and debt.
The original price was $3.35 million. Foster's Daily Democrat reports it sold for a little over $1 million to Matt Kozazcki, who also owns a farm in Newbury, Massachusetts. Today, Tendercrop Farm sells their own beef, chicken, turkey, pork, bacon, eggs, fruit pies, turnovers, meat pies, dips, salsa and pesto.
Tendercrop Farm often participates in farmers' markets and community events, contributing to the local agricultural economy and providing fresh, high-quality food to customers in the region. Their farm stands are popular destinations for both locals and visitors seeking fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a taste of authentic farm-to-table cuisine.
The farm is often described as a one-stop shop for quality local produce, meats, and baked goods, with a particular emphasis on the authenticity and freshness of its offerings. Its history reflects a blend of colonial endurance, family tradition, and modern innovation, making it a cherished landmark in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region
Overall, Tendercrop Farm embodies the ethics of sustainable agriculture, supporting local food systems and fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the land. The farm stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tuttle family and the importance of agriculture in shaping the history and identity of Dover, New Hampshire.
