Slate Roof House

Slate Roof House was a two-story mansion in Philadelphia featuring projecting wings and a recessed central entrance, distinctive for its dark stone roof tiles. This structure on Second Street north of Walnut Street was one of the most notable residences in the colonial city.

Samuel Carpenter, a Quaker merchant from Barbados, constructed this mansion around 1687 as one of the early prominent private residences in the city. Its construction marked an era of growing prosperity among Philadelphia's first settlers.

The house served as a meeting place for influential colonial leaders who gathered within its walls to discuss governance and sign important documents. Its rooms functioned as a space where political conversations shaped the direction of the new settlement.

The site is no longer accessible as a private residence, as it was replaced by Welcome Park, a public plaza near lower Second Street. Visitors can still view a bronze model of the original house within the park and learn about its role in colonial Philadelphia.

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, drafted the Charter of Privileges within this house between 1699 and 1701. This foundational document established the governance framework for the colony and made the residence a place of profound historical significance.

GPS coordinates: 39.94727,-75.14412

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54