Checking out Herman Melville’s Home: Arrowhead

Herman Melville, an American literary giant, lived in a home he named Arrowhead in western Massachusetts. From 1850 to 1862, Melville’s time in Arrowhead was his most productive as a writer.

During the 12 years at Arrowhead, he composed four novels, 16 short stories, and a volume of poetry. Many of his works were set in the house or other locations in the surrounding mountains. The incredible views of Mount Greylock are said to have inspired the great white whale in Moby Dick. Moby Dick would ultimately be considered Melville’s masterpiece and was penned in the home during the winter of 1850-1851. He named the house Arrowhead because Native American arrowheads were found in the surrounding plowed fields.

Melville described his routine at Arrowhead the year he bought the property.

“I rise at eight–thereabouts–& go to my barn–say good-morning to the horse, & give him his breakfast. (It goes to my heart to give him a cold one, but it can’t be helped) Then, pay a visit to my cow–cut up a pumpkin or two for her, & stand by to see her eat it–for it’s a pleasant sight to see a cow move her jaws–she does it so mildly & with such a sanctity.–My own breakfast over, I go to my work-room & light my fire–then spread my M.S.S. on the table–take one business squint at it, & fall to with a will. At 2 1/2 p.m. I hear a preconcerted knock at my door, which (by request) continues till I rise & go to the door, which serves to wean me effectively from my writing, however interested I may be…”

Herman Melville sold the Arrowhead to his younger brother, Allen Melville, in 1863. It remained in their family until 1927. After several private owners, the Berkshire County Historical Society purchased Arrowhead in 1975 and soon opened it to the public.

Today, visitors can tour the home with a trained guide. The tours last about 45 minutes and start at the historic barn. They then enter the home and end in Melville’s study. Much of the house, but not all, has been restored to what it looked like when Melville lived in its walls and is undoubtedly worth a visit!