White Horse Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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White Horse Farm
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White Horse Farm, January 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 54 South Whitehorse Road, Schuylkill Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.8 acres (0.32 ha) |
| Built | c. 1770, c. 1810, c. 1840, 1915 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001206 |
| Added to NRHP | July 29, 1987 |
White Horse Farm, also known as the Elijah F. Pennypacker House, is a very old and important home in Schuylkill Township, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, around 1770. In the 1800s, it became famous as the home of Elijah F. Pennypacker. He was a brave leader who fought against slavery. His farm was a secret safe place, called a "station," on the Underground Railroad. This was a network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. White Horse Farm was added to a special list of historic places in 1987.
A Home with a Secret History
Elijah F. Pennypacker (1804-1888) was a very important person. He worked in the Pennsylvania government from 1831 to 1836. He then left to focus on ending slavery.
Fighting for Freedom
Elijah became the leader of groups in Chester County and Pennsylvania that worked to stop slavery. In 1840, his home became a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Enslaved people who were escaping arrived at his farm from three different secret paths. From there, they were sent north to places like Norristown and other safe houses.
A famous poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier, once said about Elijah, "He was one of the most remarkable men I ever knew." This shows how much people respected Elijah's courage and dedication to freedom.
The Farm's Buildings
The main house is a two-and-a-half-story building made of stone covered in stucco. The oldest part of the house was built around 1770. It was a simple, small house at first. Around 1810, more rooms were added to the north side. Later, around 1840, another section was built.
In 1915, the house was made even bigger and updated. A new back section was added, along with a front porch called a verandah. This porch had special columns called Doric order capitals. The updates gave the house a look inspired by Georgian Revival style. The property also has an old barn from around 1810 and a spring house.
