Grumblethorpe

Grumblethorpe is a Georgian-style stone house in Germantown with two separate front entrances and covered balconies on both the front and back. The walls are made from Wissahickon schist, a local stone that gives the building its distinctive appearance.

The house was built in 1744 and later became a command post during the Battle of Germantown in 1777. A British general died from wounds received at the property during this Revolutionary War engagement.

The Wister family developed detailed records about gardening and farming that shaped how Philadelphia grew its plants and crops. Their work became an example for other families interested in agriculture and horticulture in the region.

The house operates as a museum with educational programs for school groups focusing on science, history, and farming traditions. Visitors can walk through the rooms and learn about the family's life and the area's past.

One room retains visible blood stains from wounds suffered during the Revolutionary War, a direct link to a dramatic moment in American history. These physical traces make the property an unusual witness to combat that happened inside a home.

Location: Pennsylvania

Website: http://philalandmarks.org/grum.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.03222,-75.16833

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43