Pottsgrove Manor: Home to Checkered Legacy of Pottstown’s Founder

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Exterior of Pottsgrove Manor.
Image via Pottsgrove Manor, Facebook.
Pottsgrove Manor still stands and was once home to Pottstown's founder John Potts, along with his wife, 13 children, and slaves.

The Pottsgrove Manor, once the home of John Potts, the founder of Pottstown, is widely regarded as an incredible piece of architecture, reports Todd Haas for 6abc.

The residence was built in 1752 for Potts, who was a highly successful iron master. The home has three full stories, an attic, a basement, as well as a two-story attached kitchen.

“That is enormous per our modern standards, it’s absolutely palatial for colonial times,” said Justing Clement, Historic Site Supervisor at Pottsgrove Manor.

Potts lived in the house with his wife, their 13 children, and a number of workers, including those who were free, indentured, or enslaved.

The manor is filled with original Potts iron works, including a stunning fireplace.

Potts first bought 997 acres of land. A decade later, he started leasing out land, which led to the formation of Pottstown.

The home still has original elements that were used by enslaved workers to ensure their work was done.

“That’s what makes this historic site really interesting,” said Clement. “It is the home of a colonial individual, but it’s a jumping off place to talk about so many things.”

Watch the entire segment at 6abc.


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