Summerseat (Morrisville, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
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Summerseat
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Summerseat
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clymer St. and Morris Ave., Morrisville, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | c. 1770 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000685 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | July 17, 1965 |
Summerseat is a very old and important house located in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. It is also known as the George Clymer House or Thomas Barclay House. This historic home was built around 1765.
What makes Summerseat so special? It's the only house known to have been owned by two people who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. These important figures were George Clymer and Robert Morris. Plus, General George Washington used it as his headquarters during the American Revolutionary War. Today, the Morrisville Historical Society takes care of Summerseat, and you can even take a tour! It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965 because of its rich history.
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What Does Summerseat Look Like?
Summerseat is located near Patriot's Park in Morrisville. It's a two-and-a-half-story building made of brick and stone. The front and sides are brick, while the back wall is stone.
The front of the house faces east and has five sections, with the main door in the middle. The door has decorative pillars and a triangular shape above it. Inside, the house has a traditional layout with a hallway in the center and four rooms on each floor. Even though it's been used for different things over the years, some of its original features are still there.
A House Full of History
Summerseat was built around 1765 by a man named Adam Hoops. Later, in 1776, his son-in-law, Thomas Barclay, owned the house.
George Washington's Headquarters
During the tough times of the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington used Summerseat as his military headquarters. This was in late 1776, when the war was not going well for the American side.
Owned by Founding Fathers
After the war, Robert Morris bought the house. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and played a huge role in funding the war effort. He was like the main banker for the American Revolution!
Later, in 1806, Morris sold the house to George Clymer. Clymer was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was the one who gave the property its famous name, "Summerseat." George Clymer lived there until he passed away in 1813.
Summerseat Today: A Museum
In 1931, Summerseat was carefully restored. A few years later, in 1935, it was used as an office building for a school.
Now, Summerseat is owned and managed by the Historic Morrisville Society. They operate it as a house museum, which means you can visit and learn about its history! The house is open for tours on the first Saturday of every month. You can visit between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Admission costs $7.00 per person, but kids under 12 can visit for free. It's a great way to step back in time and see where important historical events happened.
More to Explore
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
