This map shows Boston's North End as it appeared in 1775. The Edwards home is shown on Back Street, just three blocks south of Christ Church (Old North). Captain Benjamin Edwards (1685-1751) purchased property here from Abigail Blaque in 1719. It bounded southeasterly on Back Street (95 1/2 ft.) and northwesterly on the Mill Pond. The parcel included houses, outhouses, buildings, barns, stables and gardens. A passageway on the property connected Back Street to the Mill Pond. Captain Edwards lived in a brick home that stood on this land and his seven children were born here from 1731 to 1738.

In 1738, Captain Edwards purchased a second piece of property on Back Street, next to his home, from blacksmith Solomon Townsend. The parcel measured 31 1/2 ft. at the front and 200 ft. from front to rear. It contained land and buildings. After Captain Edwards' death in 1751, this property was passed on to his son Benjamin. Captain Edwards' remaining real estate was divided among his five other living children. His sons John and Robert received the front part of his home, while his daughter Bathsheba was given the back part. His son Alexander was given a brick home, buildings and land next to his siblings. His property had 50 ft. of frontage on Back Street and was to the left of the passageway that led to the Mill Pond. Alexander's cabinetmaking shop stood on this parcel behind his home.