Powel House is one of the important tourist attractions of Philadelphia that dates back to the 18th century. Powel House is situated on 244 South Third Street, in the center of Society Hill and it is very close to Independence National Historical Park.
The house remains open throughout the year. Tours of Powel House are given from 12 PM to 5 PM, from Thursday to Saturday. On Sunday the tours are given between 1PM and 5 PM, and the concluding tour starts at 4 PM. The admission charges vary from $3.50 to $12.50 and are different for students, groups of 10 persons or more, families and children below 6. The house as well as the garden can be rented for a meeting or any event.
History of Powel House
Powel House used to be the home of Samuel Powel and Elizabeth Powel in the 18th century. It was constructed in 1765 by Charles Stedman but Samuel Powel purchased the beautiful mansion in 1769, before getting married to Elizabeth Willing. They were a very powerful and influential couple. Samuel Powel was the last major of the city under the
Crown. He also became the 1st Mayor of Philadelphia, when the United
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States of America was formed. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention delegates worked at Independence Hall during the day for framing the Constitution. However they assembled at the Powels’ place during the evenings, to talk about the new government that was being shaped. The couple were also very famous for their hospitality. They frequently invited eminent guests such as Benjamin Rush, George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to their house.
Powel House is lavish mid-Georgian mansion, which is decked with antique clocks, elegant portraits and various other articles that are fit to be treasured. The architecture of Powel House is overwhelming and it is also one of the best-preserved buildings in the country. Visitors can pass through the splendid dining parlor, the elegant private rooms. Letters written by Washington or a bone china gifted to Elizabeth by Martha Washington are preserved in these rooms. The lovely garden of Powel House is well-kept and peaceful.
Powel House is a very charming Georgian townhouse, popular for its architecture, formal garden as well as its historical significance.
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