National Register of Historic Places

Pennypacker Mansion

Schwenksville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Listed
November 7, 1976
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
76001657

About this property

Pennypacker Mills is an American colonial mansion that is surrounded by 170 acres (0.69 km2) of farmland in Perkiomen Township, near Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. Located on the shore of the Perkiomen Creek, it is situated approximately 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Philadelphia. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Originally built circa 1720 by Hans Jost Hite, this mansion was purchased in 1747 by Peter Pennebacker, and remained privately owned by Pennypackers for eight generations. During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington used Pennypacker Mills in the fall of 1777 as a headquarters prior to the Battle of Germantown, and also as a field hospital for injured soldiers after the battle. Pennsylvania governor Samuel Pennypacker made the Mills his summer home during the early 1900s, and lived there for much of his term in office (1903–1907). After his term, he lived at the Mills year-round until his death in 1916. He was an avid collector of antiques and manuscripts, and many of these can still be found on display at the Mills, along with letters and orders written by George Washington. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Pennypacker Mills hosts special events such as Civil War reenactments on a regular basis, and is open to the public for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with the last daily tour at 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. A History of Schwenksville, including detailed history of Samuel and the Mills Montgomery County website, including a photographic tour of Pennypacker Mills.

Location

5 Haldeman Rd.
Schwenksville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
40.25420, -75.45726

Categories

MILITARYPOLITICS/GOVERNMENTARCHITECTURE
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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The Land
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Geology
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Conflict & War
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The Civil War
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The Soldiers
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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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The Community
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Nearby Historic Sites

Knurr Log House
Industrial
1.4 mi
Fagleysville Road Bridge Crossing Swamp Creek
Industrial
2 mi
Kolb, Dielman, Homestead
Colonial
3 mi
Sunrise Mill
Industrial
3.6 mi
Augustus Lutheran Church
Colonial
3.8 mi

Questions about this property

When was Pennypacker Mansion listed on the National Register?

Pennypacker Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1976.

What type of historic resource is Pennypacker Mansion?

Pennypacker Mansion is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Pennypacker Mansion?

The period of significance for Pennypacker Mansion is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Pennypacker Mansion?

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