List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania facts for kids

Pennsylvania is home to many amazing places that have played a big part in American history! These special spots are called National Historic Landmarks (NHLs). Think of them like super important historical treasures that the United States wants to protect and remember.

There are 169 National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania. This article will tell you about 102 of them that are outside of Philadelphia. If you want to learn about the 67 landmarks inside Philadelphia, you can check out the List of National Historic Landmarks in Philadelphia.

Some of these landmarks are so big or important that they are shared with other states. For example, the Delaware and Hudson Canal stretches into New York, the Beginning Point of the U.S. Public Land Survey is on the border with Ohio, and the Minisink Archeological Site reaches into New Jersey. Even though they cross state lines, they are still super important to Pennsylvania's history!

Amazing Historic Places in Pennsylvania

Let's explore some of the cool National Historic Landmarks you can find across Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia. Each one has a unique story to tell!

1762 Waterworks

The 1762 Waterworks in Bethlehem is super special because it's the oldest public water system in the entire country! Imagine getting clean water delivered to your town way back in 1762. That was a huge deal for its time.

Edward G. Acheson House

In Monongahela, you can find the Edward G. Acheson House. This was the home of Edward G. Acheson, an amazing inventor who taught himself everything he knew. In 1891, he invented something called carborundum here, which is a very hard material used in many industries today.

Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail

The Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail in Pittsburgh is a stunning building. It was designed by a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson. He used a style called Romanesque, which makes the building look like a grand, old castle. It's truly a work of art!

Allegheny Portage Railroad

Near Johnstown, you'll find the Allegheny Portage Railroad. This was an incredible railroad that helped move canal boats over the huge Allegheny Mountains. It connected the eastern and western parts of the Pennsylvania Canal. People at the time thought it was a true wonder of technology!

Andalusia Estate

Andalusia is a beautiful estate in Andalusia. It was the home of Nicholas Biddle, who was in charge of the Second Bank of the United States. The house is built in the Greek Revival style, which means it looks like an ancient Greek temple.

Henry Antes House

The Henry Antes House in Pottstown played a small but important role in the American Revolution. George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army, used this house as his headquarters for a few days in September 1777.

Augustus Lutheran Church

The Augustus Lutheran Church in Trappe is a very old and important church. It's a great example of early American church architecture and has been a place of worship for centuries.

Bedford Springs Hotel Historic District

The Bedford Springs Hotel Historic District in Bedford is a historic resort. People used to come here to relax and enjoy the natural springs. It's a beautiful example of old-fashioned luxury and a popular spot for visitors.

Beth Sholom Synagogue

The Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park is a truly unique building. It was designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Both the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have praised its amazing design.

Bost Building

The Bost Building in Homestead is important for workers' rights history. It was the main office for the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers during the famous Homestead Strike. This strike was a big event in American labor history.

Braddock Carnegie Library

The Braddock Carnegie Library in Braddock holds a special place in history. It was the very first Carnegie library ever built in the United States! These libraries were funded by wealthy businessman Andrew Carnegie to provide free books and learning to communities.

Brandywine Battlefield

The Brandywine Battlefield in Chadds Ford is where a major battle of the American Revolutionary War took place in 1777. The Battle of Brandywine was a significant event where American and British forces clashed.

James Buchanan House (Wheatland)

Wheatland in Lancaster was the home of James Buchanan, who served as the 15th President of the United States. He lived here both during his time as president and in his later years.

Pearl S. Buck House (Green Hills Farm)

Green Hills Farm in Perkasie was the home of Pearl S. Buck, a famous author. She wrote many books, including The Good Earth, and won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Bushy Run Battlefield

The Bushy Run Battlefield near Harrison City is where the Battle of Bushy Run happened during Pontiac's Rebellion. This was an important conflict between Native American tribes and the British in 1763.

Carlisle Indian School

The Carlisle Indian School in Carlisle was a boarding school for Native American children. It played a big role in Native American education, though its methods are debated today. Famous athlete Jim Thorpe attended this school.

Carrie Blast Furnaces 6 and 7

The Carrie Blast Furnaces 6 and 7 in the Pittsburgh area are very important industrial landmarks. They are the only two blast furnaces from before World War II that are still standing in the Pittsburgh region. They show how steel was made a long time ago.

Cornwall Iron Furnace

The Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall is one of the best-preserved iron furnaces from the 18th and 19th centuries in the United States. It shows how iron was made long ago, which was a vital industry for the country's growth.

Delaware Canal

The Delaware Canal stretches from Easton to Bristol along the Delaware River. This canal was built to transport anthracite coal, which was a major fuel source in the past. It was a busy waterway for trade and travel.

Drake Oil Well

The Drake Oil Well in Titusville is a landmark of global importance. This is where Edwin L. Drake successfully drilled for oil in 1859, creating the world's first successful oil well. This event kicked off the modern oil industry!

East Broad Top Railroad

The East Broad Top Railroad in Rockhill is a historic narrow-gauge railroad. It's one of the oldest and best-preserved railroads of its type in the country, giving visitors a glimpse into the past of train travel.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Farmstead

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Farmstead in Gettysburg was the home of Dwight Eisenhower, who was a famous general in World War II and later the 34th President of the United States. It's a peaceful place where he lived and worked.

Ephrata Cloister

The Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata was a unique religious community founded in the 1700s. The people who lived there followed a very strict and simple lifestyle. It's a fascinating place to learn about early American religious groups.

Fallingwater

Fallingwater in Mill Run is one of the most famous houses in the world! It was designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. What makes it so special is that it's built right over a waterfall, blending perfectly with nature.

Forks of the Ohio

The Forks of the Ohio in Pittsburgh, now known as Point State Park, was a very important location during the French and Indian War. It was a strategic spot where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River, making it a key area for trade and defense.

Fulton Opera House

The Fulton Opera House in Lancaster is one of the oldest theaters in the United States that has been running continuously. It's named after Robert Fulton, a famous inventor. Imagine all the shows and performances that have happened here over the years!

Robert Fulton Birthplace

The Robert Fulton Birthplace near Quarryville is, as the name suggests, where the inventor Robert Fulton was born. He's famous for developing the first successful steamboat, which changed river travel forever.

Albert Gallatin House (Friendship Hill)

The Albert Gallatin House, also known as Friendship Hill, in Point Marion was the home of Albert Gallatin. He was an important politician and diplomat who served as Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Graeme Park

Graeme Park in Horsham is a historic country estate with a beautiful old house. It offers a look into the lives of wealthy Pennsylvanians in the 18th century.

Grey Towers Castle

Grey Towers Castle in Glenside looks like something out of a fairy tale! It was designed by architect Horace Trumbauer and is now part of Arcadia University. Its unique castle-like appearance makes it stand out.

Gruber Wagon Works

The Gruber Wagon Works near Reading is a fascinating place that shows how wagons were made a long time ago. It's now located in Tulpehocken Creek Park and gives a great insight into old manufacturing processes.

Historic Moravian Bethlehem District

The Historic Moravian Bethlehem District in Bethlehem is a whole area that preserves the history of the Moravian community. The Moravians were a religious group who settled here and built a unique town with special architecture and traditions.

Kentuck Knob

Kentuck Knob in Chalk Hill is another amazing house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a great example of his "Usonian" style, which aimed to create beautiful, affordable homes for average Americans.

Harmony Historic District

The Harmony Historic District in Harmony is connected to the Harmony Society. This was a religious group led by George Rapp who lived communally and built their own towns. The district shows how they lived and worked.

Harrisburg Transportation Center

The Harrisburg Transportation Center in Harrisburg is a historic train station. It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and features special roof structures designed by Albert Fink. It's a great example of old railroad architecture.

Milton S. Hershey Mansion

The Milton S. Hershey Mansion in Hershey was the home of Milton Snavely Hershey, the famous chocolate maker. He built a whole town around his chocolate factory, and this mansion was his grand residence.

Horseshoe Curve

The Horseshoe Curve near Altoona is an incredible piece of railroad engineering. It's a giant, horseshoe-shaped railroad track that allowed trains to climb the steep Allegheny Mountains. It was a huge achievement when it was built!

Kennywood Park

Kennywood Park in West Mifflin is one of America's oldest and most beloved amusement parks. It started as a "trolley park" where people would ride trolleys to get there for fun. It still has many classic rides and a historic feel.

Leap-The-Dips

In Altoona, you can find Leap-The-Dips, which is the oldest wooden rollercoaster still standing and operating in the United States! It's a true piece of amusement park history.

F. Julius Lemoyne House

The F. Julius Lemoyne House in Washington was the home of F. Julius LeMoyne. He was involved with the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

Lukens Historic District

The Lukens Historic District in Coatesville is connected to Rebecca Lukens and the Brandywine Ironworks, which later became the Lukens Steel Company. Rebecca Lukens was an amazing woman who took over and successfully ran the ironworks in the early 1800s, which was very rare for a woman at that time.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter

The Meadowcroft Rockshelter west of Avella is an incredibly important archaeological site. It shows evidence of Native American life going back almost 19,000 years, making it one of the oldest known human habitation sites in North America!

Merion Cricket Club

The Merion Cricket Club in Haverford is a historic sports club. It's a reminder of a time when cricket was a very popular sport in America, even competing with baseball for people's attention.

Merion Golf Club

The Merion Golf Club in Ardmore is a world-famous golf course. It's known for hosting many major golf tournaments, including several U.S. Opens. Legendary golfer Bobby Jones won his famous "Grand Slam of Golf" here in 1930.

Mill Grove

Mill Grove in Audubon was the first home in America for John James Audubon, a famous naturalist and painter. He is known for his incredible detailed paintings of birds.

George Nakashima Woodworker Complex

The George Nakashima Woodworker Complex in Solebury Township was the art studio and home of George Nakashima. He was a master woodworker and furniture designer, famous for his unique and beautiful creations.

Oakmont Country Club

The Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont is another one of the first top-quality golf courses ever built. Established in 1903, it's known for being a very challenging course and has hosted many important golf championships.

Old Economy Village

Old Economy Village in Ambridge is another site connected to the Harmony Society and George Rapp. It's a preserved village that shows how this religious community lived and worked together in the 19th century.

Old West, Dickinson College

Old West at Dickinson College in Carlisle is a historic building designed by Benjamin H. Latrobe, a famous architect. The college itself was founded by Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. James Buchanan, who later became president, lived here as a student.

Asa Packer Mansion

The Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe was the home of Asa Packer. He was a very important businessman who founded the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University. His mansion is a grand example of Victorian architecture.

Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg includes the beautiful Pennsylvania State Capitol building and several other important government buildings. It's where the laws for Pennsylvania are made. The capitol building itself is known for its stunning architecture and artwork.

Gifford Pinchot House (Grey Towers)

The Gifford Pinchot House, also known as Grey Towers National Historic Site, in Milford was the home of Gifford Pinchot. He was the first head of the U.S. Forest Service and served as Pennsylvania's governor twice. He was a pioneer in protecting America's natural resources.

Joseph Priestley House

The Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland was the home of Joseph Priestley, a brilliant chemist. He moved here from England in 1794 and continued his important scientific research, including his work on gases.

Matthew S. Quay House

The Matthew S. Quay House in Beaver was the home of Matthew Stanley Quay. He was a powerful politician who served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee and helped Benjamin Harrison win the presidency.

Searights Tollhouse, National Road

The Searights Tollhouse near Uniontown is one of the old tollhouses built in 1835 as part of the National Road. This road was one of the first major highways in the United States, helping people and goods travel across the country.

Smithfield Street Bridge

The Smithfield Street Bridge in Pittsburgh is a historic truss bridge that crosses the Monongahela River. Built between 1881 and 1883, it's a great example of bridge engineering from that time.

Staple Bend Tunnel

The Staple Bend Tunnel in Conemaugh Township is an amazing engineering feat. It was the very first railroad tunnel ever built in the United States! It was considered a marvel of engineering when it was completed.

Summerseat

Summerseat in Morrisville was the home of George Clymer. He was a very important person in American history because he signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution!

George Taylor House

The George Taylor House in Catasauqua was the home of George Taylor. Like George Clymer, he was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

M. Carey Thomas Library, Bryn Mawr College

The M. Carey Thomas Library on the Bryn Mawr College campus in Bryn Mawr is a beautiful and important building. It's known for its special architecture and is a central part of the college's history.

Union Canal Tunnel

The Union Canal Tunnel in Lebanon is part of the historic Union Canal. This tunnel allowed canal boats to pass through a hill, which was a clever engineering solution for its time.

Valley Forge

Valley Forge is a very famous place in American history, located in Valley Forge. During the harsh winter of 1777-1778, George Washington and his Continental Army camped here. It was a time of great hardship but also a turning point for the American forces.

Gen. Friedrich Von Steuben Headquarters

Also at Valley Forge National Historical Park is the Gen. Friedrich Von Steuben Headquarters. Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who helped train the American soldiers at Valley Forge, turning them into a more disciplined army.

Washington's Crossing

Washington's Crossing in Yardley is the Pennsylvania side of the historic site where George Washington and his troops famously crossed the icy Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. This daring move led to a crucial victory at the Battle of Trenton.

Washington's Headquarters (Valley Forge)

Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge National Historical Park was the house where George Washington lived and directed the Continental Army during their winter encampment. It's a very important spot for understanding the American Revolution.

Waynesborough

Waynesborough in Paoli was the home of General Anthony Wayne. He was a brave and important general during the American Revolutionary War, known for his daring tactics.

Conrad Weiser Homestead

The Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf was the home of Johann Conrad Weiser. He was a very important figure in colonial Pennsylvania, known for his skills as an interpreter and diplomat with Native American tribes, especially the Iroquois.

Benjamin West Birthplace

The Benjamin West Birthplace in Swarthmore is where the famous painter Benjamin West was born. He was a very influential artist who supported and taught many other American painters, like Gilbert Stuart and Charles Willson Peale.

Woodville

Woodville in Heidelberg was the home of John Neville, who was a tax collector during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. This rebellion was an important event in early American history where farmers protested a tax on whiskey.

Andrew Wyeth Studio and Kuerner Farm

The Andrew Wyeth Studio and Kuerner Farm in Chadds Ford Township are incredibly important for art lovers. The Kuerner Farm was the inspiration for over 1,000 paintings by the famous artist Andrew Wyeth over 64 years! The site now also includes his studio.

N. C. Wyeth House and Studio

Also in Chadds Ford Township is the N. C. Wyeth House and Studio. This was the home and studio of N.C. Wyeth, another famous painter and the father of Andrew Wyeth. His family was very artistic, and this place was central to their creative lives.

Images for kids

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  Bomberger's Distillery

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  David Bradford House

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  William Brinton 1704 House

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  Bryn Athyn Historic District

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  Buckingham Friends Meeting House

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  Cambria Iron Company

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  Simon Cameron House

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  Carlisle Indian School

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  Cedarcroft

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  Chatham Village Historic District

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  Delaware and Hudson Canal

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  Emmanuel Episcopal Church

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  David Espy House

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  Fonthill, Mercer Museum and Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

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  Gemeinhaus-Lewis David de Schweinitz Residence

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  Grey Towers

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  Honey Hollow Watershed

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  Keim Homestead

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  Leap-The-Dips

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  Lightfoot Mill

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  Humphry Marshall House

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  Isaac Meason House

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  Merion Friends Meeting House

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  Minisink Archeological Site

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  Pulpit Rocks

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  St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Jim Thorpe)

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  Schaeffer House

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  Stiegel-Coleman House

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  Woodmont

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  W. A. Young and Sons Foundry and Machine Shop

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Pennsylvania
• List of National Historic Landmarks by state
• List of National Historic Sites in United States
• List of Pennsylvania state historical markers