David Bradford House facts for kids
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David Bradford House
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David Bradford House, from across South Main Street
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 175 South Main Street, Washington, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1788 |
| Architect | David Bradford |
| Architectural style | Late German Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001668 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 16, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | July 28, 1983 |
The David Bradford House is a special old home in Washington, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1788 and was once the home of David Bradford. He was an important leader during a historical event called the Whiskey Rebellion. This house is famous for its architecture and its history.
It became a National Historic Landmark in 1983. This means it's a very important place in American history. Today, you can visit it as a museum. It is open weekly between April and November, or you can make an appointment.
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The Story of the David Bradford House
The David Bradford House has a long and interesting history. It was built by a successful lawyer named David Bradford. He was also a deputy attorney-general for Washington County, Pennsylvania. This meant he helped with legal matters in the area.
Building a Frontier Mansion
In 1788, David Bradford built this house. It was the first stone house on South Main Street in Washington, Pennsylvania. For its time, it was considered a grand mansion. The house has two stories and was built in the Georgian style. It features dressed stone and four-bay windows.
The house had a fancy side entrance with a fanlight window above the door. Inside, the stairway was made of solid mahogany wood. Many of the beautiful decorations and furniture were brought all the way from Philadelphia. This was a very expensive and difficult journey across the mountains.
A Secret Escape Route
During a restoration of the house, a secret underground passage was found. This tunnel led to a nearby ravine. People believe this tunnel was an escape route. It could have been used if the house was ever attacked.
David Bradford's Time in the House
David Bradford and his family lived in the house for only six years. In 1794, he had to leave after the Whiskey Rebellion. This rebellion was a protest by farmers and distillers against a new tax on spirits. Bradford was a key leader in this protest.
A Famous Author's Birthplace
Many years later, a famous author was born in this very house. Rebecca Harding Davis was born here on June 24, 1831. She became a well-known writer. A historical marker honoring her is located a few blocks away. It was the first marker in Washington, Pennsylvania, dedicated to a woman.
Saving and Restoring the House
By the 1930s, the house was in poor condition. It had fallen into disrepair. However, efforts were made to save it. In 1953, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission placed a historical marker outside the house. This marker pointed out its important history.
In 1959, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission took control of the house. They carefully restored it to look like it did in the 1700s. They also filled it with furniture and items from that time period. These items showed what life was like for someone important like David Bradford.
The Bradford House Today
Since 1982, the Bradford House Historical Association has managed the museum. They offer group tours and host special events. The museum is open from early May through mid-December each year.
The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Then, in 1983, it was named a National Historic Landmark. It is also recognized as a historic public landmark by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation.
