The Printzhof facts for kids
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The Printzhof
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View of the site
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Taylor Ave. and 2nd St., Essington, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1643 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000661 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 5, 1961 |
The Printzhof was a special house in Governor Printz Park in Essington, Pennsylvania. It was the home of Johan Björnsson Printz. He was the governor of a place called New Sweden.
The First Printzhof
In 1643, Governor Johan Printz moved his main office. He moved it from Fort Christina to Tinicum Island. Fort Christina is now Wilmington, Delaware. On Tinicum Island, he built a new fort called Fort Gothenburg. He also built his home and office there.
Two years later, a big fire happened. It burned down the new settlement. But Governor Printz rebuilt his home. He made the new Printzhof much stronger and fancier. It was a two-story log house. It even had special lumber from Sweden. It also had glass windows and beautiful curtains.
A New Owner
In 1653, Governor Johan Printz went back to Sweden. He took his wife and younger children with him. Two years later, in 1655, the Dutch West India Company took over New Sweden.
But Governor Printz's oldest daughter, Armegott Printz, stayed. She had married his replacement, Lt. Johan Papegoja. Armegott stayed at the Printzhof even after the Dutch took control.
Reclaiming the Home
In 1662, Armegott sold the Printzhof. She got some money right away. The rest was supposed to be paid when she reached The Netherlands. But she never got the rest of the money. So, she came back to get her property back.
Ten years later, in 1672, the Governor and Council made a decision. They said Armegott Printz should own the property again. After that, she sold the estate a second time. Then she went back to Sweden. She passed away there in 1695. She died at a place called Läckö Castle.
The Printzhof Today
Today, only the stone foundations of the Printzhof remain. These are the only parts left of the old settlement. You can find the Printzhof site in Essington, Pennsylvania. It is near Taylor Avenue and Second Street. In 1961, this site was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical place.
