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The Woodlands
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Woodlands Mansion
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Location 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Built 1770; rebuilt 1786-92
Architect William Hamilton, John McArthur, Jr.
Architectural style Neoclassical
NRHP reference No. 67000022
Added to NRHP 1967

The Woodlands is a special place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It is known as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's an important place in American history. The beautiful Schuylkill River flows right by The Woodlands.

This historic site includes a grand mansion, a building called a "carriage house" where horses and carriages were kept, and a large garden. This garden later became a cemetery in 1840. Today, more than 30,000 people are buried there.

What is The Woodlands?

The Woodlands is a unique spot that mixes history, nature, and art. It started as a private estate with a fancy home. Over time, it changed into a public space. It is now a place where people can visit, learn, and remember.

A Grand Mansion

The main building at The Woodlands is a large mansion. It was first built around 1770. Then, it was rebuilt and made even grander between 1786 and 1792. The mansion was designed in a style called Neoclassical architecture. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It often features tall columns and balanced shapes.

The mansion was once the home of a wealthy family. They enjoyed the beautiful views of the river and the large gardens. Imagine living in such a big house with so much land!

From Garden to Cemetery

The land around the mansion was originally a huge garden. It had many different plants and trees. In 1840, the garden was turned into a cemetery. This was a new idea at the time. Cemeteries like The Woodlands were designed to be peaceful parks. People could visit them to remember loved ones. They could also enjoy nature and quiet walks.

The cemetery has many old and interesting gravestones. Each one tells a small part of someone's story. It is a place for history and reflection.

Who Lived at The Woodlands?

The Woodlands was owned by a man named William Hamilton. He was a very important person in Philadelphia. He loved plants and gardening. He brought many new and unusual plants to his estate. He wanted his garden to be one of the best in the country.

William Hamilton also helped design the mansion. He worked with architects to make it a grand and stylish home. He lived there for many years.

Visiting The Woodlands Today

Today, The Woodlands is open to the public. You can visit the mansion, walk through the historic cemetery, and enjoy the peaceful grounds. It's a great place to learn about history. You can also see beautiful architecture and enjoy nature. Many people visit to walk, jog, or just relax.

The Woodlands is managed by the Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia. They work to keep this special place preserved for everyone. It is a true treasure in Philadelphia.

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