Simon Cameron House facts for kids
|
John Harris – Simon Cameron House
|
|
John Harris – Simon Cameron House, November 2010
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1766 |
| Architect | John Harris, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001620 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 20, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
The Simon Cameron House is a very old and important building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is also known as the John Harris Mansion. This historic house is now a museum where you can learn about its past. It was built in 1766 and has been changed many times over the years.
The house is special because it was the summer home of Simon Cameron (1799–1889). He was a very important politician in the Republican Party. He played a big role in American politics during and after the American Civil War. In 1941, the house and many family items were given to the Historical Society of Dauphin County. They now run it as a museum. Because of its history, the mansion was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. It is part of the Harrisburg Historic District.
About the Simon Cameron House
The Simon Cameron House is located south of downtown Harrisburg. It looks out over the Susquehanna River. The main part of the house is a two-and-a-half-story building made of stone. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides. The house is built from limestone and has a porch in front. This porch has columns and decorative arches.
The front of the house has four sections. The main door is on the left side. It has a tall window above it. Three windows stick out from the front roof. A long, two-story section extends from the back of the house. This gives the house a unique T-shape.
The House's Story
The house was built around 1766 by John Harris Jr.. His father, John Harris Sr., was one of the first people to settle in this area. The city of Harrisburg is named after his father. The Harris family owned the house until 1835.
In 1853, the house became the Pennsylvania Female College. This college had to close in 1861 because of problems caused by the American Civil War. After the college closed, Simon Cameron bought the house. He had been on the college's board of directors.
Who Was Simon Cameron?
Simon Cameron was a very influential politician. He started his political career in 1829. He served as a United States Senator and also as United States Secretary of War. Cameron was known for his strong influence in Pennsylvania politics. He helped shape the government under President Ulysses S. Grant. Cameron made many changes to the house, giving it the Victorian style you see today. His family later gave the house to the Historical Society of Dauphin County in 1941.
See Also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
- List of the oldest buildings in Pennsylvania
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania
