F. Julius LeMoyne House facts for kids
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F. Julius LeMoyne House
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LeMoyne House in Washington, Pennsylvania
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 49 E. Maiden St., Washington, Pennsylvania |
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| Architectural style | Georgian, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001271 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 25, 1997 |
| Designated NHL | September 25, 1997 |
The F. Julius LeMoyne House is a special historic house museum located at 49 East Maiden Street in Washington, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1812 and became the home of Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne (1798–1897). Dr. LeMoyne was a brave person who worked against slavery. He used his house as a safe place, or "station," on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
After the American Civil War, Dr. LeMoyne also helped educate formerly enslaved people. He even started a college called LeMoyne–Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, his house is a museum run by the local historical society. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1997 because of its important history. The Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation also calls it a historic public landmark.
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Exploring the LeMoyne House
The LeMoyne House is in the middle of Washington, Pennsylvania. It is a three-story house made of stone. The house was built in the Greek Revival style, which was popular a long time ago.
The front of the house has two doors. This was so Dr. LeMoyne could have one entrance for his family and another for his medical patients. Both entrances have special porches with columns or flat pillars. Later, long, narrow windows were added to the attic.
Who Lived in the House?
The house was built in 1812 by Dr. John LeMoyne, who was an immigrant from France. His son, Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne, lived there for most of his life. He also worked as a doctor from this house.
In 1834, Dr. LeMoyne became very active in the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the United States. He gave speeches and helped organize groups that wanted to stop slavery.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
Dr. LeMoyne was known for helping enslaved people escape. He often gave them shelter in his home before 1850. This was when the Fugitive Slave Act was passed, which made it harder and more dangerous to help runaways. Even after 1850, he likely continued to help, though it was less documented.
Dr. LeMoyne believed in making society better for everyone. He supported starting the local library and helped fund two teaching positions at Washington & Jefferson College. He also founded LeMoyne College, which is now LeMoyne–Owen College, in Memphis, Tennessee.
The House as a Museum Today
In the 1930s, Dr. LeMoyne's daughter gave the house to the Washington Historical Society. They worked to restore the building to look like it did when Dr. LeMoyne lived there. Now, it is a historic house museum. You can take guided tours there all year round.
The museum has old items from that time period. It helps people remember Dr. LeMoyne and his important work. In 1953, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission placed a historical marker outside the house. This marker tells visitors about the house's historical importance. The house was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1997.
See also
