The First Mayor
Ralph Cross Johnson built this house just as the War of 1812 was beginning. He and his brother, Judge Alfred Johnson, were active in all manner of Belfast's businesses and politics. Ralph Johnson was a representative in Maine's first legislature and later served as Belfast's first mayor in 1853. Alfred Johnson's granddaughter, Louise, married Belfast native Admiral William V. Pratt, who served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1930-1933. The family used the house as a summer retreat, well into the 20th century (photo c. 1900).
Inset:
The Bohan P. Field house, across the street from the Johnson house, was built in 1807 from timbers cut on the property. Bohan Field was Belfast's first lawyer and the house remained in the Field family for 170 years. The house still retains its early 19th century charm.
Marker is on High Street just south of Primrose Street, on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
