The Pawling Farm is part of Valley Forge National Historical Park and sits on the Perkiomen Peninsula, which is created by a bend in the Schuylkill River near its confluence with the Perkiomen Creek. This area played a critical role in the winter encampment of George Washington’s troops in 1777-78. It was a strategically important avenue of approach from the north to the encampment on the south side of the river and also served as the site of a commissary function that saved the troops from starvation. The National Park Service brochure on the area can be found here.
Currently the property’s main buildings include an old barn, a small home (which currently appears to be in use), a privy building, and the remains of the old mansion. The mansion was lost to fire in 1967 and is now a ruin. There are hiking trails which connect to the rest of the Valley Forge system and a mix of habitats including meadow, forest, wetlands, and vernal ponds.
Here are some overview shots and other views of the farm.
The house in your photograph was the tenant farmer’s house when the Wetherills owned the property. It was built in the 1800s and is currently occupied by national park employees.
The house behind the privy in your photographs is what remains of the Pawling farmhouse. It was originally twice that size, but the first Wetherill owner tore down half of the house and built a large manor house which was attached to what remained of the Pawlling house. Ruins of the Wetherill house stood until about a year ago; it was destroyed in a fire in the 1960s.
Thanks for your helpful information. Your comment is a first for this blog.
Where the Pawling family wealthy?
Thanks for your comments. I don’t have additional information about the farm. I imagine the family was relatively well off for the time. The Park website might have more information.
I think George Washingtons Continental Army, ( 15,000 soldiers), must have build that four story barn!
I have been to this spot on a birding trip with Rick Wolf as the leader. I think your photos are fantastic each one tells a story and there is a softness in each photo You captured the area so well
Thanks. It’s good to know someone is reading.
I live in the area and love to read any history of the Pawling/Wetherill properties (hike back there as well), so thank you so much for posting. I recently learned that the Wetherill estate was an instrumental landmark along the Underground Railroad!
Thanks for your comment. I didn’t know about the Underground Railroad history.
Ms. Shaner,
I just found your website this morning and am very grateful to you for capturing the beauty and history of Pennsylvania.
Keep up the stellar work, please!
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoy it.
R Shaner, I went to Kutztown State College with Dick Shaner…any relation?
Good to hear from you. I do not believe I am related to Dick. My father’s family is from Lycoming and Columbia counties, and I don’t believe that I am related to any Shaners in the Kutztown area.