Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
Front view of Friendship Hill house
Rear view of the house
View of the Monongahela River from a gazebo on the grounds.
A sitting area in front of a fireplace within the house.
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Originally from Switzerland, Gallatin moved to America in the 1780s and became a surveyor in Pennsylvania. He was elected to the US Senate in 1793 and the US House of Representatives in 1794. He also assisted in the drafting of the Pennsylvania state constitution. As Secretary of the Treasury, he was instrumental in lowering the national debt, purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France, and financing the subsequent Lewis and Clark Expedition. He also aided in the creation of the Treaty of Ghent which ended the War of 1812, ironically, in 1815. Finally, he served as Minister to France from 1816-1823.
The home at Friendship Hill was gradually expanded under Gallatin’s supervision as a frame structure was added in 1798, a 3.5 story stone structure in 1823 and a stone kitchen in 1824. Later homeowners added other sections in 1895, 1902, and 1903. The large home is surrounded by acres of fields and forests and offers a panoramic view of the Monongahela River.
Rangers are present to answer questions and provide information on Gallatin and the site. However, tours are self-guided and the home itself is sparsely furnished with period furnishings. An introductory educational video is also presented and there is a small gift shop on site. The home and surroundings are maintained by the National Parks Service.
Sources
Templeton, David. "Friendship Hill National Historic Site: A beautiful architectural puzzle." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Accessed December 7, 2016. http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/usparks/friendship-hill/
"Albert Gallatin." Federal Reserve History. Accessed December 7, 2016. http://www.federalreservehistory.org/People/DetailView/264
Hurst, David. "House in Fayette County was home to key figure in U.S. history. Tribune-Democrat. August 19, 2016. Accessed December 7, 2016. http://www.tribdem.com/news/house-in-fayette-county-was-home-to-key-figure-in/article_0ae022ce-65b3-...