Mount Pleasant

Gazing up at Mount Pleasant, did you ever imagine this grand mansion as a bustling plantation? Overlooking the Schuylkill River, Mount Pleasant stands as a testament to the opulence of colonial America. Built around 1761 for Captain John Macpherson, a privateer, maybe even a pirate, this Georgian masterpiece was designed by Thomas Nevell, an apprentice of Independence Hall’s architect. John Adams himself once declared Mount Pleasant “the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania”. Imagine strolling through its halls, adorned with original paneling and intricate carvings by Martin Jugiez. These very rooms showcase not just the Macphersons’ wealth, but also the craftsmanship of Philadelphia’s leading artisans. Mount Pleasant wasn’t just a beautiful home. It was also the heart of a working plantation, encompassing over 100 acres. Macpherson utilized a mix of free and enslaved labor to work the land. While the names of those enslaved remain unknown, their contribution to the estate’s operation is a sobering reminder of the complexities of colonial life. Benedict Arnold, the infamous traitor, briefly owned Mount Pleasant, purchasing it for his young bride, Peggy Shippen. The financial strain of this purchase may have contributed to Arnold’s eventual betrayal. Later, General Jonathan Williams, West Point’s first superintendent and Benjamin Franklin’s grandnephew, called Mount Pleasant home. Today, Mount Pleasant, meticulously restored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. As you stand here, you’re not just looking at a building. You’re experiencing the echoes of history, from colonial elegance to the shadows of slavery, all within the walls of Mount Pleasant.