The Germantown neighborhood in Philadelphia is rich with history. The area was founded by German settlers in 1881 and has been home to stops on the Underground Railroad, Philadelphia's only Revolutionary War battle site, and the country's first paper mill. Today it is an urban neighborhood in the northwest section of the city that is well worth the 15-minute drive from Center City, especially for history lovers. Here are some of Germantown's top sites. Most of them are conveniently located on or nearby Germantown Avenue.
1. Germantown Historical Society
The Germantown Historical Society makes a good starting point for visitors to Germantown. It has an extensive collection of artifacts and a small museum open to the public, and is headquarters for the nonprofit, Historic Germantown, a partnership of 14 local attractions. Purchase a passport for admission to all 14 ($15 pp, $25 family) in person or online.
5501 Germantown Ave.
215/844-1683
2. Cliveden
R. Kennedy for GPTMC
During the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Germantown took place on the grounds of Cliveden and was the only battle that took place in Philadelphia. The stately Georgian home was built 1764-1767 for Benjamin Chew, who was banished during the war due to his British ties. He was absent during the bloody battle of October 1777. British troops on their way to Philadelphia broke into Cliveden for protection while American troops fired muskets and cannons from across the street at Upsala.
6401 Germantown Ave.
215/848-1777
3. Johnson House
R. Kennedy for GPTMC
The Johnson House, built 1765-1768, was home to three generations of Quaker abolitionists. It became an important station on the Underground Railroad in the 1850s. It is open for tours.,a nd a look inside reveals much about an interesting slice of America history.
6306 Germantown Ave.
215/438-1768
4. Wyck
Wyck was used by British troops as a field hospital during the Battle of Germantown, but its real interest lies in the nine generations of a Quaker family that lived there, seen through 100,000+ artifacts accumulated over 300 years. The mansion and grounds are open for guided and self-guided tours.
6026 Germantown Ave.
215/848-1690
5. Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
Just off of Germantown Avenue, the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion,circa 1859, is a classic example of the lavish Victorian architecture popular in area in the mid-19th-century. It contains a small exhibit space.
200 W. Tulpehocken St.
215/438-1861
6. Historic Rittenhousetown
Historic RittenhouseTown pays homage to the area’s earliest settlers, German immigrants drawn to Pennsylvania for religious freedom. William Rittenhouse (originally Wilhelm Rittenhausen), leader and minister of a small Mennonite community, built North America’s first paper mill on the edge of Wissahickon Creek in 1690. He developed a self-sufficient industrial village containing more than 40 buildings including homesteads, workers’ cottages, a church, a school, and a firehouse. Seven buildings remain and are open for tours.
206 Lincoln Dr.
215/438-5711
7. Deshler-Morris House
The Deshler-Morris House is also called the “Germantown White House.” It was home to George Washington on two occasions. In 1793 he came to escape the Yellow Fever epidemic, and again for vacation the following summer. Ironically, his enemy, British General Howe also stayed here after winning the Battle of Germantown.
5442 Germantown Ave.
215/597-4159
8. Grumblethorpe
With a name straight out of a Harry Potter book, Grumblethorpe was originally called “John Wister’s Big House” because it had multiple stories, a rarity at the time. Built in 1744 for wine importer John Wister, it is a classic example of 18th-century Pennsylvania German architecture. General James Agnew stayed here after being wounded in the Battle of Germantown. He died in the front parlor and his blood stains remain on the floor.
5267 Germantown Ave.
215/843-4820
9. Stenton
Stenton is one of the best-preserved Georgian mansions in Philadelphia. Built in 1730 for James Logan, secretary to William Penn, the mansion, grounds, and barn, including an exhibit of agricultural tools dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries, are open for tours.
4601 N. 18th St.
215/329-7312
