Belmont Mansion / Park

BELMONT MANSION

In 2009, Belmont Mansion was the recipient of a national honor – The Network to Freedom designation by the National Park Service. This honored the documented fact that escaping Africans were housed within this facility as a part of the Underground Railroad. The years of work required to achieve this goal was undertaken by Mrs. Audrey Johnson Thornton, a stalwart in Philadelphia for cultural and philanthropic endeavors. It has been restored to its former glory with rooms on the top floor featuring period furnishings.

The Belmont Mansion sits high on a hill in Fairmount Park and is adjacent to the Schuylkill River. Since the Colonial days prior to the Revolutionary War, the Mansion was owned by members of the Peters Family, who were prominent judges and politicians in Philadelphia. It has been restored to its former glory with rooms on the top floor featuring period furnishings.

Today, it is a site for many cultural activities as well as social gatherings such as weddings and receptions. The Mansion is surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens and the tall buildings of Center City Philadelphia in the backdrop make for breathtaking photographs. Theatrical plays, musical concerts, and poetry readings round out the program offerings of Belmont Mansion. The twenty minute drive from Center City is worth the trip.

Not a neighborhood but a mansion located in Fairmount Park, Belmont Mansion was designed and built in 1745 by English lawyer William Peters. The mansion housed many people during the Revolution, prominent figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Madison all stayed at Belmont.

Surrounded by a large garden, Belmont Mansion now attracts visitors who not only want to see the amazing view of the city but also take a look into history at the Underground Railroad Museum which is located there.
Although it will cost you a pretty penny, visitors can also rent the Belmont Mansion for private parties, weddings, meeting and other special events. The American Women’s Heritage Society also holds events at Belmont Mansion regularly.

The location of the mansion is ideal for tourist of Philadelphia as it gives them the opportunity to visit other parts of Fairmount Park and it provides a look into a large and interesting portion of the history of the city. Living in this area can be a bit expensive depending on the neighborhood you choose. Belmont, the neighborhood that takes its name from the mansion is not as expensive but it also has a reputation of having a lot of crime and many of the buildings are neglected.