Overview

George Taylor, signer of the Declaration Of Independence built this Georgian Style House in 1768 in Lehigh Valley, PA's Catasauqua. It is one of the last remaining homes of the original signers.

A National Historic Landmark, the George Taylor House (GTH) is the 18th century summer residence of the Durham Furnace's talented iron master. The Taylor House was restored under the direction of John K. Heyl in 1966-1968 and is now open to visitors as an historic house exhibit.

Situated on five acres in a park-like setting overlooking the historic Lehigh River Canal, the GTH is a two-story Georgian stone mansion with symmetrically-paired brick-end chimneys and a gable roof with flattened ridge. The 24-inch thick walls are constructed of stone masonry rubble, and are finished with thick slaked-lime stucco, which gives the house its white appearance. The stone kitchen, which adjoins the main house at the south end, was constructed around 1800. It is currently the site of an extensive archaeological excavation.

Just behind the house is a one-and-a-half story brick summer kitchen, which was built around 1850. It temporarily serves as the Gift Shoppe, which is open during events and visitation hours.

The house was later owned by David Deschler, who was a Colonel in the Northampton County Militia, and was a member of the 1787 Pennsylvania convention that ratified the United States Constitution. a congressman during the creation and passage of the Constitution of the United States.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971, the George Taylor House was purchased by the Borough of Catasauqua in 2009 from the Lehigh County Historical Society and currently its owner.

House Tours

House tours are available on the 1st Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3rd Sundays from 12 - 4 p.m. of most months (April-Oct.), or by appointment. Special events also include snacks, reenactors and speakers, activities for the kids, and much more. House Tours are $5 for each adult (18+), $20 for a family (parents and children under 12), and children under 12 are free. Proceeds go to the House.

Events You Don't Want to Miss

Fourth of July Reading of the Declaration of Independence - On July 4 each year, the Association gathers at the house to do a reading of the Declaration of Independence, while offering house tours, an encampment, food, and much more.