Morton Homestead facts for kids
|
Morton Homestead
|
|
Morton Homestead, November 2009
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Prospect Park, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | c.1698 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000546 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1970 |
Morton Homestead is a really old house and land that is now a special park called Morton Homestead State Park. You can find it at 100 Lincoln Avenue in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, which is in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This historic homestead helps us understand what life was like many centuries ago.
Contents
What is the Morton Homestead?
A homestead is a home and the land around it, often where a family lived for many years. The Morton Homestead is a historic place because it shows us what life was like a long time ago. It's a preserved piece of history, letting us step back in time.
A Home with History
The Morton Homestead has a very long story. It was first started way back in 1654. At that time, the area was part of a colony called New Sweden.
The First Settlers
The homestead was founded by a man named Morton Mortenson. He was an immigrant from Finland. He came to this new land to start a new life. His family lived here for many generations.
A Signer of Independence
One of Morton Mortenson's great-grandsons became a very important person. His name was John Morton. In 1776, he signed the United States Declaration of Independence. This document was a huge step for America. It declared that the American colonies were free from British rule. John Morton was one of the brave leaders who made this happen.
The Old House Today
The house you see at the homestead today has parts that are very old. Some sections were built around 1698. A larger part was added later in the 1700s. It shows how homes changed over time.
Protecting History
Because the Morton Homestead is so important, it has been officially recognized. In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes special places across the country that are worth protecting. It means the homestead is a valuable part of American history.
