Friendship Hill facts for kids
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Friendship Hill National Historic Site
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The house of Albert Gallatin at Friendship Hill National Historic Site
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Springhill Township, Fayette County, PA, United States |
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| Nearest city | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Area | 675 acres (273 ha) |
| Visitation | 25,636 (2006) |
| Website | Friendship Hill National Historic Site |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000663 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 12, 1965 |
| Designated NHS | November 10, 1978 |
Friendship Hill was the home of Albert Gallatin (1761–1849). He was an important early American politician. Gallatin served as a U.S. Congressman. He was also the longest-serving Secretary of the Treasury. This means he managed the country's money. He also worked as an ambassador to France and Great Britain.
His home overlooks the Monongahela River. It is near Point Marion, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. Today, the National Park Service takes care of Friendship Hill. It is called the Friendship Hill National Historic Site and is open for visitors to explore.
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Exploring Friendship Hill
Friendship Hill is a large piece of land. It is about 675 acres in size. You can find it on the east side of the Monongahela River. This area is between New Geneva and Point Marion in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. The main house, also known as the Albert Gallatin House, sits on top of a hill. This hill is the highest point on the property.
The Main House at Friendship Hill
The house itself is made up of seven different parts. The oldest part is the original brick house. It was built in 1789. This part was built in the Federal style. It used a special brick pattern called Flemish bond.
In 1798, a simple wooden house was added. It was built along the north side of the brick house. The Stone House was added next in 1823. This part is three and a half stories tall. It is the biggest section of the whole house. Albert Gallatin did not build this part himself. His son, Albert Rolaz Gallatin, oversaw its construction. A stone kitchen was added in 1824. This was the last part added during the time Gallatin lived there.
Later owners of the house added more sections. A State Dining Room was built in 1895. A south bedroom wing was finished in 1902. The servants' quarters were added in 1903.
The Story of Albert Gallatin
Albert Gallatin was born in Geneva, Switzerland. He came to the United States in 1780. Soon after, he started buying and selling land. This was in western Pennsylvania and Virginia. He bought the land and house that became Friendship Hill in 1788. He sold the property in 1832. After that, he moved to New York City.
Albert Gallatin's Public Service
Gallatin spent many years working for the government. He was the United States Secretary of the Treasury for Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. This job meant he managed the country's money and finances. He also served as the United States Ambassador to France. This role meant he represented the U.S. in France.
Friendship Hill's Special Status
Friendship Hill was named a National Historic Landmark on January 12, 1965. This means it is a very important historical place. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. At that time, the house was owned by a private person.
The national historic site was created on November 10, 1978. The National Park Service manages it. It is looked after by the same group that manages Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
Gallery
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An extended view of the house.
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Fields near Friendship Hill.
Images for kids
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The sitting room inside the home.
