Espy House facts for kids
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Espy House
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 123 E. Pitt St., Bedford, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1770 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001750 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 19, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | July 28, 1983 |
The David Espy House is a very old and important house in Bedford, Pennsylvania. It was built way back in 1770. This house is special because George Washington, who was the first President of the United States, stayed here. He was in Bedford in 1794 to help calm down a big disagreement called the Whiskey Rebellion. Because of its history, the Espy House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1983. Today, parts of the house are used for businesses.
What the Espy House Looks Like
The David Espy House is in the middle of downtown Bedford. It's on the north side of East Pitt Street. The house is made of stone and has two and a half floors. It has a pointed roof, which is called a gabled roof.
The front of the house is made of rectangular stone blocks. The sides are made of rougher stones held together with mortar. The front has three main sections, called bays. The door that used to be the main entrance is on the left. The two sections on the right side of the ground floor are now a large window and a new entrance for businesses. A wooden part extends from the back of the stone house. The ground floor is used for shops, and the top floor is still a home.
A Home with Important History
The Espy House was built around 1770 or 1771. It was built for a man named David Espy. He was a local officer in the militia, which was like a volunteer army. He also worked as a prothonotary, which means he was a clerk for the local court.
In 1794, David Espy's stone house was likely one of the nicest homes in Bedford. This is why President George Washington chose to stay there. He was leading troops to help solve a problem known as the Whiskey Rebellion.
President Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was a time when some people in western Pennsylvania were upset about a new tax. This tax was on whiskey, which was an important product for farmers. They used extra grain to make whiskey, which was easier to transport and sell.
President Washington believed it was important for everyone to follow the new laws. He personally led soldiers to Pennsylvania to show that the government was strong. This was a very important moment for the new United States. It showed that the government could make sure its laws were followed peacefully.
Bedford was as far as President Washington traveled with the troops. From there, he handed over command to General Henry "Lighthorse Harry" Lee. Then, President Washington returned to Washington, DC. The Espy House played a small but important part in this big moment in American history.
