Archaeology, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library, Park
Many Philadelphians sought to emulate the English country estate tradition by constructing brick and stone formal houses in the countryside. Attorney John Moland had one such house on a plantation in the Northern Liberties, just above the current center city. In 1741 he purchased undeveloped land in Warwick Township along the Little Neshaminy Creek and adjacent to the York Road connecting bustling Philadelphia with the smaller New York City. A two-story home was built circa 1750 using fieldstone quarried from further up Kerr's, also known as Carr's, Hill. A vernacular kitchen with a loft was attached to these formal quarters.