Stenton
4601 North 18th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 329 7312
www.stenton.org

A National Historic Landmark, Stenton is the plantation house designed and built by James Logan, the representative of the Penn family in America.

When Penn returned to England in 1701, he left a young James Logan to act as attorney for the Proprietors, which he did until his death in 1751. Logan served Pennsylvania in various capacities. He was a Justice of the Common Pleas Court, and Governor of Pennsylvania between 1736 and 1738. Logan's success as a merchant trader in furs, iron, and shipping supported his fifty years of service to the Penn family and the Colony..

Logan was also a notable scholar. He had a reading knowledge of seven ancient and modern languages and corresponded with the great scholars of his day. Logan published papers on astronomy and plant genetics and is known as the father of modern hybrid corn.

James Logan's son, William, succeeded his father as attorney for the Penn family. He also built the "old" kitchen feature of the house and added many fine furnishings. Shortly after his death the house was occupied for a brief period by General George Washington and then by General Sir William Howe as his headquarters during the Battle of Germantown.

The house is a handsome brick structure, nearly square in shape, that reflects both the importance of Logan's position and the restraint imposed by his Quaker principles. Stenton was the name of the birthplace of James' father in Scotland. According to estate inventories, Logan furnished the house with Philadelphia pieces as well as the English furniture of the William and Mary and Queen Anne periods. The next two generations added fine Philadelphia Chippendale and Sheraton pieces.

Today visitors can enjoy a Guided Tour that reveals the lifestyles of three generations of Logans during the period 1730 - 1830. The Old Kitchen Wing has been restored, and the charming 18th century farm setting includes a barn with a display of early farm tools and equipment. A small period garden and a greenhouse complement the house nicely.

Group Tours can include refreshments or a boxed lunch, or groups can bring their own lunch and eat indoors for an addition $1.00 per person set up fee for the folding chairs and tables.

Throughout the year Historic Germantown Preserved sponsors many special events at the various Germantown sites, including Stenton, which is maintained by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America. Call for a calendar, and teachers can call for a brochure of the many School Programs offered.

See this guide's listing on the Germantown Historical Society for more information.