Alan West Corson Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Alan W. Corson Homestead
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Alan West Corson Homestead. September 2012.
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5130 Butler Pike, Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) |
| Built | 1734-1820 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001649 |
| Added to NRHP | June 19, 1973 |
The Alan West Corson Homestead is a historic house in Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania. It was built in different parts between 1734 and 1820. This old home was once a nursery for plants and a school. It also played a very important role in American history.
The Alan West Corson Homestead
This interesting house was built over many years. It started in 1734 and was finished by 1820. It is a two-and-a-half-story stone house covered in stucco. It has a long shape, with six sections across the front and two sections deep. There's also a smaller two-and-a-half-story part at the back. A small building called a smokehouse is also on the property.
A Safe Place for Freedom
The Corson family, who lived here, were Quakers. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs. They also believed strongly that slavery was wrong. Alan Wright Corson (1788–1882), a grandson, and his family were active abolitionists. Abolitionists were people who worked to end slavery in the United States.
In 1837, Alan Wright Corson helped start the Montgomery County Anti-Slavery Society. His home, the Alan West Corson Homestead, became a station on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North or Canada.
Alan's brother, George Corson, built another important place nearby. It was called Abolition Hall. This hall was a meeting place for groups that were against slavery. It shows how dedicated the Corson family was to helping others find freedom.
The Alan West Corson Homestead was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It is also part of the Cold Point Historic District.
