Stenton
| Type | Historic house museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 4601 North 18th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Germantown |
| Phone | (215) 329-7312 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1730 (house); 1899 (museum) |
| Founder | James Logan |
| Hours | Tue-Sat 1-4 PM (April-December) |
Stenton is a colonial mansion in Germantown built between 1723 and 1730 by James Logan, William Penn's secretary and one of the most important figures in early Pennsylvania. Stenton served as George Washington's headquarters before the Battle of Germantown (1777) and later hosted British General Sir William Howe. Today, it stands as one of the finest and best-preserved examples of early Georgian architecture in America.[1]
The house has remained remarkably intact since the 18th century, preserving original architectural details, furnishings, and the stories of multiple generations. Stenton interprets not only the Logan family but also the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked on the property, offering a more complete view of colonial American life.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]James Logan
[edit | edit source]James Logan (1674-1751) was one of colonial Pennsylvania's most remarkable figures:
- Arrived in Philadelphia in 1699 as William Penn's secretary
- Managed Penn family affairs and became wealthy through trade
- Served in numerous governmental positions
- Was a scholar who corresponded with European intellectuals
- Assembled one of the finest libraries in colonial America
- Made important contributions to botany and other sciences
Logan named his estate "Stenton" after his father's birthplace in Scotland.
Building Stenton
[edit | edit source]Logan built Stenton between 1723 and 1730:
- Designed in the early Georgian style
- Constructed of local stone
- Incorporated the latest architectural ideas
- Featured formal gardens and outbuildings
The Logan Family
[edit | edit source]Four generations of Logans lived at Stenton:
- James Logan (died 1751)
- William Logan (1718-1776)
- George Logan (1753-1821), politician and diplomat
- Albanus Logan (1783-1872)
Revolutionary War
[edit | edit source]Stenton played a role in the American Revolution:
- Before the battle: George Washington used Stenton as his headquarters before the Battle of Germantown (October 1777)
- After the battle: British General Sir William Howe briefly occupied the house
- The house survived the war intact
Preservation
[edit | edit source]In 1899, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired Stenton, preserving it as a museum.
The House and Grounds
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]Stenton exemplifies early Georgian architecture:
- Symmetrical facade
- Local stone construction
- Original woodwork and details
- Period-appropriate furnishings
Outbuildings
[edit | edit source]The property includes surviving outbuildings:
- Log tenant house: One of the oldest surviving buildings in Philadelphia
- Kitchen dependency
- Barn and stable ruins
Gardens
[edit | edit source]Historic gardens surround the house:
- Formal garden layout
- Period-appropriate plantings
- Interpretation of 18th-century landscape
Collections
[edit | edit source]Stenton retains significant collections:
- Logan family furniture
- James Logan's scientific instruments
- Family portraits
- Documentary materials
Interpreting Multiple Histories
[edit | edit source]Slavery at Stenton
[edit | edit source]James Logan enslaved African Americans:
- Enslaved people built and maintained the estate
- Their labor supported the Logan family's prosperity
- Stenton interprets their stories alongside the family's
- Research continues to uncover their histories
Free African Americans
[edit | edit source]After emancipation, free African Americans lived and worked at Stenton:
- Dinah Stiles managed the household after the Logan family left
- Her story is central to Stenton's interpretation
- The site explores the full range of people who called Stenton home
Visiting Stenton
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Tuesday-Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (April-December)
- Closed: Sunday, Monday
- Winter: Closed (check website for special events)
- Check website for current schedule
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $8 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children: Discounted rates
Tours
[edit | edit source]Guided tours explore:
- James Logan and his world
- Four generations of the Logan family
- Enslaved and free African Americans
- Architecture and collections
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Tours provide the best experience
- The log tenant house is fascinating
- Combine with other Germantown historic sites
- Good for history enthusiasts
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Bus: Routes 18, 26
- By Car: On North 18th Street at Courtland Street
- Parking: On-site parking available
Location
[edit | edit source]Stenton is located in the Logan/Germantown area of North Philadelphia, distinct from the main Germantown Avenue historic sites.
Nearby Attractions
[edit | edit source]- LaSalle University (nearby)
- Germantown, Philadelphia (10-minute drive to main sites)
- Cliveden (1.5 miles)
Programs
[edit | edit source]Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- School field trips
- Public tours
- Special events
- Garden programs
See Also
[edit | edit source]- James Logan (statesman)
- Germantown, Philadelphia
- Colonial Philadelphia
- Cliveden
- American Revolution in Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About Stenton". Stenton. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Stenton". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025