49 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301  Ph. 724-225-6740  FAX 724-225-8495

	Pennsylvania's First National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad

The LeMoyne House in the City of Washington is Pennsylvania's first National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad. Only about six or seven other such sites exist in the entire United States.

The stately stone house, located at 49 East Maiden Street in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania, was built in 1812 by John Julius LeMoyne, the father of Francis Julius LeMoyne. Both father and son were practicing physicians, but it was the courageous Francis Julius LeMoyne who, despite the strict Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, risked his personal freedom and fortune to do what he knew was morally right — take a stand against the institution of slavery. This successful 19th Century doctor, reformer and builder of the first crematory in the western hemisphere, opened his home and properties as stops along the Underground Railroad, the series of safe hiding places for runaway slaves as they trudged north on their precarious journey to Canada and freedom.

The father of five daughters (and three sons!), he also believed in and promoted education for women, specifically helping to found the Washington Female Seminary. Always a supporter of education, this successful physician funded several chairs at Washington College (now known as the prestigious Washington & Jefferson College), started Citizens Library, a free public library for the people of Washington and neighboring communities, and founded LeMoyne College (now known as LeMoyne-Owen College) in Memphis, Tennessee, predominantly for the education of blacks. The LeMoyne House is now a museum filled with period artifacts and dedicated to Dr. LeMoyne's memory.

	It is open for guided tours year round, Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday for group tours (20 or more) by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. The Research Library is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information or for directions, call 724-225-6740 or e-mail the Washington County Historical Society at INFO@WCHSPA.ORG.

	Visit the LeMoyne House! On the Trail to the Civil War

			Email Us