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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Infobox Park<br />
| name = Lemon Hill<br />
| image =<br />
| image_caption = Lemon Hill Mansion overlooking the Schuylkill River<br />
| type = Historic estate / Park<br />
| location = Fairmount Park (East)<br />
| coordinates = 39.9720,-75.1850<br />
| area = Approximately 45 acres<br />
| established = 1844 (public acquisition)<br />
| operated_by = Fairmount Park Conservancy / Colonial Dames of America<br />
| features = Federal mansion, river views, hillside lawns, historic landscape<br />
| hours = Grounds: dawn to dusk; Mansion: limited tours<br />
| transit = Walk from Art Museum; SEPTA bus 32<br />
| website = https://www.lemonhill.org<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Lemon Hill''' is a historic estate and mansion in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], perched on a prominent hill overlooking the [[Schuylkill River]] just north of the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]. The Federal-style mansion (c. 1800) and its surrounding grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of early American country estate architecture and landscape design.<ref name="lemonhill">{{cite web |url=https://www.lemonhill.org |title=Lemon Hill Mansion |publisher=Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
The site offers sweeping views, historic architecture, and a peaceful retreat within walking distance of the Art Museum.<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== Robert Morris ===<br />
<br />
The property's early history:<br />
* '''1770s:''' Robert Morris (financier of American Revolution) owned the land<br />
* Morris called it "The Hills"<br />
* Built greenhouses for lemon trees (hence the name)<br />
* Morris later lost property due to financial troubles<br />
<br />
=== Henry Pratt ===<br />
<br />
The current mansion dates to '''Henry Pratt's''' ownership:<br />
* '''1799-1800:''' Pratt built the Federal mansion<br />
* Prominent Philadelphia merchant<br />
* Created ornamental gardens<br />
* Expanded the lemon tree tradition<br />
<br />
=== Public Park ===<br />
<br />
The city acquired the property:<br />
* '''1844:''' Purchased to protect Fairmount Water Works watershed<br />
* Among first acquisitions for what became Fairmount Park<br />
* Preserved historic landscape<br />
* Mansion restored and maintained<br />
<br />
== Features ==<br />
<br />
=== The Mansion ===<br />
<br />
'''Federal-style architecture:'''<br />
* Three-story oval rooms<br />
* Palladian windows<br />
* Curved doors<br />
* Period furnishings (restored)<br />
* National Historic Landmark<br />
<br />
=== Architectural Highlights ===<br />
<br />
Notable features:<br />
* Oval parlor with curved doors<br />
* Fanlight windows<br />
* Original fireplaces<br />
* Elegant proportions<br />
* River-oriented design<br />
<br />
=== The Grounds ===<br />
<br />
'''Historic landscape:'''<br />
* Hillside overlooking Schuylkill<br />
* Sweeping lawns<br />
* Mature trees<br />
* Walking paths<br />
* Picnic areas<br />
<br />
=== Views ===<br />
<br />
'''Scenic overlooks:'''<br />
* Schuylkill River below<br />
* Boathouse Row<br />
* West Fairmount Park across river<br />
* Center City skyline<br />
<br />
== Visiting ==<br />
<br />
=== Grounds ===<br />
<br />
* Open dawn to dusk<br />
* Free access<br />
* Walking paths throughout<br />
* Popular for picnics and relaxation<br />
<br />
=== Mansion Tours ===<br />
<br />
* Limited tour schedule<br />
* Check website or call for hours<br />
* Small admission fee for tours<br />
* Colonial Dames of America operates<br />
<br />
=== Getting There ===<br />
<br />
'''Location:''' Lemon Hill Drive, East Fairmount Park (north of Art Museum)<br />
<br />
'''By Public Transit:'''<br />
* Walk north from Philadelphia Museum of Art<br />
* SEPTA Bus 32 along Kelly Drive<br />
<br />
'''By Car:'''<br />
* Enter park from Kelly Drive<br />
* Limited parking on Lemon Hill Drive<br />
<br />
'''By Bicycle:'''<br />
* Schuylkill River Trail access<br />
* Kelly Drive bike lane<br />
<br />
=== Tips ===<br />
<br />
* The grounds are beautiful for picnics<br />
* Best views are from the hilltop near the mansion<br />
* Sunset views over the river are spectacular<br />
* Combine with Art Museum and Boathouse Row visit<br />
<br />
== Events ==<br />
<br />
The grounds host:<br />
* Picnics and gatherings<br />
* Photography (popular wedding photo location)<br />
* Quiet relaxation<br />
* Occasional special events at mansion<br />
<br />
== Nearby ==<br />
<br />
* '''[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]''' — South<br />
* '''[[Boathouse Row]]''' — Along Kelly Drive<br />
* '''[[Fairmount Water Works]]''' — South, along river<br />
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' — River road<br />
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
<br />
* [[Fairmount Park]]<br />
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]<br />
* [[Boathouse Row]]<br />
* [[Fairmount Park Mansions]]<br />
* [[Woodford Mansion]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [https://www.lemonhill.org Lemon Hill Mansion]<br />
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]<br />
<br />
{{#seo:<br />
|title=Lemon Hill Philadelphia - Historic Mansion & Schuylkill River Views<br />
|description=Guide to Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park. Federal mansion from 1800, scenic overlooks of the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row, and historic grounds.<br />
|keywords=Lemon Hill Philadelphia, Fairmount Park mansions, Philadelphia historic houses, Schuylkill River views, Kelly Drive attractions, Henry Pratt<br />
|type=Article<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Parks]]<br />
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]<br />
[[Category:Historic Sites]]<br />
[[Category:Architecture]]<br />
[[Category:Schuylkill River]]</div>Gritty