Existing comment:
Mount Pleasant:
Between 1762 and 1765, the Scottish sea captain, John Macpherson built his country seat, Mount Pleasant, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. Macpherson's plantation of about 150 acres consisted of hay fields, pasture for cattle and sheep, orchards and a large kitchen garden. Using contemporary design books and the expertise of Thomas Nevell, Philadelphia master builder, Macpherson built a traditional Scottish interpretation of a Georgian style house, characterized by white stucco walls and colorful red brick banding. Emphasizing balance and symmetry, the plan of Mount Pleasant includes a pair of dependency out-buildings or "pavilions" flanking the main house. One of these pavilions served as a plantation office while the other contained a summer kitchen.
When John Adams wrote in 1775, "Rode out of Town and dined with Mr. Macpherson. He has the most elegant Seat in Pennsilvania, a clever Scotch Wife... He renews his Proposals of taking or burning Ships," he acknowledged the wealth this privateer had amassed in attacking French and Spanish ships for the British. After 1770, Captain Macpherson lived intermittently at Mount Pleasant until 1778.
In 1778, Don Juan de Miralles, the first Spanish Envoy rented Mt. Pleasant and retained a lease until his sudden death in 1780, while visiting Gen. Washington in Morristown, New Jersey. Miralles, who enjoyed Gen. Washington's cordial friendship during his stay in Philadelphia, represents the beginning of Spain's contribution to the American Revolution.
In 1779, during the Spanish Envoy's occupancy, Gen. Benedict Arnold bought Mount Pleasant subject to Miralles' lease, as a marriage gift for his bride, Peggy Shippen. Arnold, Military Government of Philadelphia at the time, was never able to occupy the house owing to Miralles' tenancy. Shortly after the purchase, the Arnolds removed to West Point, where he hoped to obtain a command. His subsequent treason and conviction forced his flight to England. The City Council then ordered Mrs. Arnold out of the City. The house was seized by the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth.
Mt. Pleasant was then leased by the Commonwealth to Baron William Augustus von Steuben, Inspector General of the Continental Army, who had come from Prussia to volunteer his services to the American cause. His legacy is his drill manual which became the military bible of the Continental Army.
In 1791, Mount Pleasant was sold at sheriff's sale to Gen. Jonathan Williams, great nephew of Benjamin Franklin. It is ironic that Gen. Williams was the first superintendent of West Point, the site of Benedict Arnold's treachery.
In 1869, the City purchased the property for inclusion in Fairmount Park. After this date, the house was used as a German beer garden and a restaurant, and subsequently the Park Commissioners opened a Dairy which operated from the North dependency to provide fresh milk for the urban poor. To this day, the playing fields are known as Dairy Field. In 1926, the buildings were restored and Mount Pleasant was opened as a house museum.
A National Historic Landmark, Mount Pleasant was restored to its 1760's appearance in 1976. The carved woodwork interiors are among the finest surviving examples of Philadelphia architectural carving, distinguished by classical motifs from Greek architecture and naturalistic rococo motifs, such as shells, C-scrolls and acanthus leaves. Mount Pleasant is furnished with objects and furniture appropriate for this historical period. It is owned and maintained by the Fairmount Park Commission in cooperation with the Philadelphia Museum of Art. |