Editing Laurel Hill Mansion

{{Infobox Park
| name = Laurel Hill Mansion
| image =
| image_caption = Laurel Hill Mansion overlooking the Schuylkill River
| type = Historic house / Event venue
| location = Fairmount Park (East)
| coordinates = 40.0020,-75.1880
| area = Part of East Fairmount Park
| established = c. 1767
| operated_by = Women for Greater Philadelphia
| features = Georgian mansion, river views, event venue
| hours = Limited public access; events and tours
| transit = SEPTA bus 32; drive recommended
| website = https://www.laurelhillmansion.org
}}

'''Laurel Hill Mansion''' is a Georgian mansion overlooking the [[Schuylkill River]] in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], not to be confused with nearby [[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]. Built around 1767, the house served as a summer retreat and later became associated with Rebecca Rawle, a Loyalist widow during the American Revolution. Today the mansion operates as an event venue while offering occasional public tours.<ref name="laurelhillmansion">{{cite web |url=https://www.laurelhillmansion.org |title=Laurel Hill Mansion |publisher=Women for Greater Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Laurel Hill offers one of the most dramatic river views of any Fairmount Park mansion.

== History ==

=== Construction ===

Built around '''1767''':
* Originally called "Laurel" for the mountain laurel
* Georgian architectural style
* Summer retreat from the city
* Dramatic river bluff setting

=== Rebecca Rawle ===

'''Rebecca Rawle''' (later Shoemaker) connection:
* Occupied during Revolution
* Loyalist sympathies
* Her diary documented the era
* Complex Revolutionary War history

=== Park Acquisition ===

* Acquired for Fairmount Park
* Various uses over years
* Restored as historic site
* '''Women for Greater Philadelphia''' stewardship

=== Women for Greater Philadelphia ===

The organization has maintained the mansion:
* Preservation and restoration
* Event programming
* Public education
* Community use

== Features ==

=== Architecture ===

'''Georgian style:'''
* Mid-18th century construction
* Symmetrical design
* Period details
* Multiple building periods

=== Views ===

'''Spectacular Schuylkill views:'''
* High bluff overlooking river
* Kelly Drive visible below
* One of the best mansion viewpoints
* Dramatic natural setting

=== Interior ===

* Period architectural details
* Event spaces
* Historic interpretation
* Restored rooms

=== Grounds ===

* Terraced landscaping
* River views
* Historic plantings
* East Fairmount Park setting

== Visiting ==

=== Public Access ===

* Limited public hours
* Occasional tours
* Special events
* Check website for schedule

=== Events ===

The mansion hosts:
* Weddings and receptions
* Private events
* Educational programs
* Community gatherings

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Edgely Drive, East Fairmount Park

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 32
* Driving recommended

'''By Car:'''
* Enter East Fairmount Park
* Follow signs to Laurel Hill

=== Tips ===

* The views alone are worth the visit
* Check for tour dates
* Don't confuse with Laurel Hill Cemetery (nearby but separate)
* Dramatic sunset views

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]''' — Nearby (separate site)
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding park
* '''[[Strawberry Mansion]]''' — Nearby
* '''[[Woodford Mansion]]''' — Nearby
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' — Below the mansion

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Fairmount Park Mansions]]
* [[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]
* [[Strawberry Mansion]]
* [[Kelly Drive]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.laurelhillmansion.org Laurel Hill Mansion]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]

{{#seo:
|title=Laurel Hill Mansion Philadelphia - Georgian Estate with River Views
|description=Guide to Laurel Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park. Georgian mansion from 1767 with spectacular Schuylkill River views and event venue.
|keywords=Laurel Hill Mansion Philadelphia, Fairmount Park mansions, Georgian architecture Philadelphia, Schuylkill River views, Philadelphia event venues
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Architecture]]
[[Category:Event Venues]]