Camp-Woods facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp-Woods
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Camp-Woods, 1962
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 745 Newtown Rd., Villanova, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 4.2 acres (1.7 ha) |
| Built | 1910-1912 |
| Architect | John S. Cornell & Sons; Howard Van Doren Shaw |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002239 |
| Added to NRHP | September 1, 1983 |
Camp-Woods is a special historic estate located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It sits on a high spot, about 400 feet up. This spot was once a military outpost for George Washington's army. About 200 soldiers stayed here during the tough winter of 1777–78 at Valley Forge.
A Historic Home
The main house at Camp-Woods was built between 1910 and 1912. It was made for a banker named James M. Willcox. The house is two stories tall and built from brick and limestone. It has a unique "F" shape.
The house is designed in a mix of Italianate and Georgian styles. It is about 160 feet long. The roof is made of slate. The house also features fancy limestone decorations and open porches. A covered entrance porch is held up by classic Doric order columns. The famous architect Howard Van Doren Shaw designed this beautiful home.
The estate also includes lovely formal gardens. Some parts of the original property are now separate. For example, the old building where carriages were kept is no longer part of the main estate. The first tennis court is also now a separate property called "Outpost Hill."
A Revolutionary War Outpost
The historical importance of Camp-Woods goes back to the American Revolutionary War. The land was used as an outpost by George Washington's army. This was during the difficult winter at Valley Forge in 1777-1778.
Today, a flagpole marks the spot of this old Revolutionary War camp. It stands in a round stone monument at the edge of the property. An inscription on the monument tells its story. It reads, "An outpost of George Washington's Army encamped here thro the winter of Valley Forge 1777-1778." This monument helps us remember the soldiers who stayed here long ago.
Protecting History
Because of its important history and unique design, the Camp-Woods mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it is recognized as a place worth preserving for future generations.
Gallery
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Former Carriage House to Camp-Woods - 741 Newtown Rd
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Monument at Camp Woods
