Alcotts move to Hosmer Cottage in Concord

The Alcotts relocated to Hosmer Cottage in Concord after facing challenges with Temple School and a temporary residence in Scituate. This move was facilitated by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who not only encouraged Bronson Alcott to settle in Concord but also provided financial assistance by covering the rent for the family, who often struggled with their finances. During their time at Hosmer Cottage, the Alcott children formed friendships with local families, including the Hosmers, Goodwins, Emersons, Hawthornes, and Channings. These connections fostered a vibrant community where the children engaged in creative activities, such as putting on plays together. Louisa May Alcott and her sisters also attended Concord Academy, with Louisa briefly attending a younger children's school at Emerson's residence. It was in this nurturing environment that Louisa composed her first poem, 'To the First Robin', at the age of eight, which delighted her mother, Abigail, showcasing the early signs of her literary talent.