These 7 Towns in Pennsylvania Have Beautiful Architecture
Pennsylvania was founded by Willam Penn as a Quaker Colony in 1681 and was one of the Original 13 colonies. It has a remarkable place in American History, including the First and Second Continental Congresses, which were held in the capital of Philadelphia in 1774 and 1775. The Declaration of Independence was signed here, setting off the Revolutionary War.
It is no surprise that Pennsylvania has an exceptional wealth of history. The state rose to prominence during some of the peak architectural periods, and the state's history can be traced through the architectural styles.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is one of the most historical towns in America, sadly including the Battle of Gettysburg in the summer of 1863. The commercial and residential architecture reflects the rich history of the Gettysburg Armory, a 44-foot brick art deco structure. Gettysburg also has notable modern structures like the modernist Cyclorama. Built in 1962, it included a cyclorama of the famous battle by reputable artist Paul Philippoteaux.
Though the historic town is cemented in Civil War history, prominent architecture was designed before and after the war. In the historic district, Breckinridge Street has several homes built in pieces that reflect multiple styles. Notable residences include the Shriver, Farnsworth, and the Jennie Wade House.
Doylestown
Doylestown started with a single tavern in 1745 by William Doyle. Today, the historic district is a trove of architectural styles, particularly the Art Deco theatre. Other styles include Georgian, Federal, Greek, and Gothic Revival.
The vast collection of designs is best seen in the Tudor-style Aldier Mansion and Henry Mercer's Castle. An archaeologist, Mercer built the mansion between 1908 and 1912 as a private residence to showcase his Moravian Tiles collection. The structure is an exquisite blend of Gothic, Byzantine, and Medieval styles and is one of the earliest examples of poured reinforced concrete.
Lititz
Lititz is one of the most picturesque towns in Pennsylvania, and architecture is a primary reason for this. The town has a deep Moravian connection and was named after a Bohemian castle in Kunvald, Czech Republic. The Moravian Church Square is the town's beating heart, dates back to the 18th century, and is a fine example of Moravian design.
The Lititz Moravian Historic District is the epicenter of the architectural beauty. There are 113 buildings dating from 1775 to 1930, primarily Federal and Late Victorian. Notable examples include the Warden's House (c. 1757), Corpse House (c. 1786), and the Werner House (c. 1722-1787).
Mill Run
Frank Lloyd Wright, America's greatest architect, left his artistic mark in Mill Run. The focal point is Fallingwater, a Unesco World Heritage Site built in 1935. This masterpiece exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of organic architecture, where art meets nature. It instantly became famous and today is a National Historic Landmark.
Six and a half miles southwest of Fallingwater is another organic structural masterpiece from Frank Lloyd Wright, Kentuck Knob. The dramatic home sits beneath a grand hill and seems part of the natural landscape. The Conservancy owns Fallingwater, and Kentuck Knob is privately owned, and both estates require tickets to tour the grounds.
Easton
Easton is steeped in American history and etched into the classic building styles. The tallest piece, the steeple and town clock, is downtown in the First United Church of Christ (c. 1745). The historic district contains 400 significant structures, primarily in the Colonial and Art Deco styles.
The Georgian-style Easton House (Bachmann) Tavern at Northhampton and Second Streets is the oldest building, and 70 percent of its original material remains. The Herman Simon mansion is an early 20th-century elegant High Renaissance French Cathedral design. Easton has a fine collection of Federal-style buildings, a nod to the preferred style of the early republic.
Jim Thorpe
The town of Jim Thorpe, named after its most famous resident, rose to prominence through the coal mining industry. A prime architectural piece is the Asa Packer Mansion. It was built in 1861 in the Italianate Victorian style 1861, and docent-guided tours are available to the public.
The Harry Packer Mansion is another Italianate marvel now a bed and breakfast. St. Marks Episcopal Church downtown is an 1869 Gothic Revival designed by that style's leading proponent, Richard Upjohn. The ornate architectural designs in Jim Thorpe are especially for small towns.
Lewisburg
With 853 historical buildings, the dominant architectural styles are Victorian, Colonial, Federal, Italianate, and more, lending an uncommon architectural elegance rarely seen in small towns. Known as "Pennsylvania Town" for its unique street layout, a walking tour of the historic downtown starts at the corner of Market and North 5th Streets.
Notable buildings include the Post Office, The Chamberlain Building, and the First Baptist Church. Lewisburg is also home to Bucknell University, which is built in many different styles. The Campus Theatre was restored in the Art Deco style in 2004. It is called "The Jewel of Market Street" for its design and is even more gorgeous at dusk when the marquee lights appear.
Architectural Legacy
Pennsylvania has a long and remarkable history that shines through its architectural prowess. These seven towns, though small in population, represent virtually every modern style and design. Some structures, like Doylestown's, are a beautiful blend of styles.
Federal style is prominent here because it was favored by the nation's earliest founders for its integrity, most notably in Lititz. Frank Lloyd Wright, the greatest architect in the modern era, built several of his masterpieces here. His famous Fallingwater is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a stunning organic architecture revelation. These seven towns share a singular beauty through the vast display of designs and styles.
