Lemon Hill
| Lemon Hill | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic estate / Park |
| Location | Fairmount Park (East) |
| Coordinates | 39.9720,-75.1850 |
| Area | Approximately 45 acres |
| Established | 1844 (public acquisition) |
| Operated by | Fairmount Park Conservancy / Colonial Dames of America |
| Features | Federal mansion, river views, hillside lawns, historic landscape |
| Hours | Grounds: dawn to dusk; Mansion: limited tours |
| Transit | Walk from Art Museum; SEPTA bus 32 |
| Website | Official Site |
Lemon Hill is a historic estate and mansion in East Fairmount Park, perched on a prominent hill overlooking the Schuylkill River just north of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Federal-style mansion (c. 1800) and its surrounding grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of early American country estate architecture and landscape design.[1]
The site offers sweeping views, historic architecture, and a peaceful retreat within walking distance of the Art Museum.
History
[edit | edit source]Robert Morris
[edit | edit source]The property's early history:
- 1770s: Robert Morris (financier of American Revolution) owned the land
- Morris called it "The Hills"
- Built greenhouses for lemon trees (hence the name)
- Morris later lost property due to financial troubles
Henry Pratt
[edit | edit source]The current mansion dates to Henry Pratt's ownership:
- 1799-1800: Pratt built the Federal mansion
- Prominent Philadelphia merchant
- Created ornamental gardens
- Expanded the lemon tree tradition
Public Park
[edit | edit source]The city acquired the property:
- 1844: Purchased to protect Fairmount Water Works watershed
- Among first acquisitions for what became Fairmount Park
- Preserved historic landscape
- Mansion restored and maintained
Features
[edit | edit source]The Mansion
[edit | edit source]Federal-style architecture:
- Three-story oval rooms
- Palladian windows
- Curved doors
- Period furnishings (restored)
- National Historic Landmark
Architectural Highlights
[edit | edit source]Notable features:
- Oval parlor with curved doors
- Fanlight windows
- Original fireplaces
- Elegant proportions
- River-oriented design
The Grounds
[edit | edit source]Historic landscape:
- Hillside overlooking Schuylkill
- Sweeping lawns
- Mature trees
- Walking paths
- Picnic areas
Views
[edit | edit source]Scenic overlooks:
- Schuylkill River below
- Boathouse Row
- West Fairmount Park across river
- Center City skyline
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Grounds
[edit | edit source]- Open dawn to dusk
- Free access
- Walking paths throughout
- Popular for picnics and relaxation
Mansion Tours
[edit | edit source]- Limited tour schedule
- Check website or call for hours
- Small admission fee for tours
- Colonial Dames of America operates
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Lemon Hill Drive, East Fairmount Park (north of Art Museum)
By Public Transit:
- Walk north from Philadelphia Museum of Art
- SEPTA Bus 32 along Kelly Drive
By Car:
- Enter park from Kelly Drive
- Limited parking on Lemon Hill Drive
By Bicycle:
- Schuylkill River Trail access
- Kelly Drive bike lane
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The grounds are beautiful for picnics
- Best views are from the hilltop near the mansion
- Sunset views over the river are spectacular
- Combine with Art Museum and Boathouse Row visit
Events
[edit | edit source]The grounds host:
- Picnics and gatherings
- Photography (popular wedding photo location)
- Quiet relaxation
- Occasional special events at mansion
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Museum of Art — South
- Boathouse Row — Along Kelly Drive
- Fairmount Water Works — South, along river
- Kelly Drive — River road
- Fairmount Park — Surrounding
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Lemon Hill Mansion". Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II. Retrieved December 30, 2025