Dritt Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dritt Mansion
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south of Wrightsville on Pennsylvania Route 624, Lower Windsor Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | c. 1758 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001206 |
| Added to NRHP | August 16, 1977 |
The Dritt Mansion, also known as Pleasant Garden, is a really old and interesting house in Lower Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania. It's named after the family who lived there the longest. Today, it's home to the Zimmerman Center for Heritage.
This historic house was built around 1758. It's a two-and-a-half-story building made from fieldstone, which is stone found naturally in fields. The house is about 50 feet long and 40 feet wide. It has a sloped roof covered with cedar shingles. What's amazing is that the house looks almost the same as it did when it was first built!
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Discovering the Dritt Mansion
The Dritt Mansion is more than just an old house. It's a place where you can learn about history. It helps people connect with the past of the Susquehanna River area.
A Look Inside the Historic Home
The mansion is a great example of Colonial architecture. This style was popular when America was first being settled. The strong fieldstone walls have stood for centuries. The house has kept its original look and feel. This makes it a special place to visit and explore.
The Land's Exciting Past
The land where the Dritt Mansion stands has a long history. In 1729, a man named Thomas Cresap was given this land. He operated a ferry here across the river. Cresap claimed this area for Maryland, even though it was later decided to be part of Pennsylvania.
What Was Cresap's War?
Cresap's claim led to some arguments and small fights. These were known as "Cresap's War." It was a dispute between Pennsylvania and Maryland over their border. In 1736, Cresap was arrested and left the area. The border problem was finally solved in 1784. This was when the famous Mason–Dixon line was officially drawn. This line became the border between the two states.
The Mansion Today: A Center for Heritage
Today, the Dritt Mansion is a busy place. It hosts offices and programs for the Zimmerman Center for Heritage. This center works to protect and share the history of the Susquehanna River region. You can also see the "Visions of the Susquehanna River Art Collection" here. This collection features beautiful artwork inspired by the river.
A National Historic Landmark
The Dritt Mansion is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it's recognized as a special historic site in the United States. It helps preserve the building and its story for future generations.
