Espy House, National Historic Landmark in Bedford, Pennsylvania
The Espy House is a stone building with two and a half stories located in Bedford, featuring a gabled roof and rectangular facade. The ground floor now houses commercial space while the upper levels preserve their original residential layout.
Militia officer David Espy built this house in 1771 to reflect his standing and role in the emerging community. During the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794, President George Washington selected the building as his command headquarters, marking a turning point in federal authority.
The house served as a gathering place for Masonic activities and local government operations during the late 1700s. Walking past today, you can sense how this building shaped the community's leadership and social connections of that era.
Be aware that the ground floor is now occupied by commercial businesses, so access to the entire property may be limited depending on the shops' schedules. Plan your visit during regular business hours when you can see more of the building's exterior and possibly access interior spaces through operating businesses.
The building retained much of its late 1700s architectural details despite serving modern commercial purposes on the ground floor. This blend of original stonework and contemporary use creates an unusual snapshot of how historic buildings adapt to changing community needs.
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