The David Espy House is a historic house at 123 East Pitt Street in
Bedford, Pennsylvania. Built in 1770, it is significant as the residence used by President
George Washington
George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of th ...
when he was leading the troops that put down the
Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. It was declared a
National Historic Landmark in 1983.
[ and ] The house is now used for commercial purposes.
Description and history
The David Espy House is located in downtown Bedford, on the north side of East Pitt Street between North Juliana and North Richard Streets. It is a masonry structure stories in height, with a gabled roof. The front facade is finished in roughly finished rectangular blocks laid in courses, while the sides have a mortared rubble finish. The front facade is three bays in width, with the traditional entrance (now serving the upstairs) in the leftmost bay. The right two bays on the ground floor have been united into a commercial picture window and recessed entry. A wood-frame ell extends to the rear of the stone front section. The ground floor has been adapted for commercial use; the upstairs is residential.
The house was built in 1770–71 for David Espy, a local militia officer and
prothonotary (court clerk). He was also a Freemason and served as Junior Warden when Bedford Lodge No. 48 A.Y.M. was warranted in 1790.
In 1794, his stone house was probably the finest in the town, and was where President
George Washington
George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of th ...
stayed while leading troops in the suppression of the
Whiskey Rebellion.
Bedford was as far as Washington traveled with the troops; he turned their command over to
Henry "Lighthorse Harry" Lee and returned to
Washington, DC.
See also
*
List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania
*
References
External links
Bedford County: The Espy HouseExplore Pennsylvania, Historical Markers: Espy House
{{National Register of Historic Places
Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania
National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania
Houses completed in 1770
Houses in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
History of Bedford County, Pennsylvania
National Register of Historic Places in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
1770 establishments in Pennsylvania