The Fountain House (Doylestown, Pennsylvania)

The Fountain House is located in the borough of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in the central commercial district. The four-story building is steeped in local history and is a major landmark of the Bucks County area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

For other uses, see Fountain House (disambiguation).
Fountain House
The Fountain House in 2010
LocationState and Main Sts., Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°18′36″N 75°7′51″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1758
Architectural styleLate Victorian
NRHP reference No.72001095[1]
Added to NRHPMarch 16, 1972

History
The Fountain House, Ca 1850–1880

The Fountain House was one of seven taverns in pre-revolutionary Doylestown. It was constructed by William Doyle, the founder of Doylestown. The first part of the building was constructed in 1758. Owned by a Tory during the American Revolutionary War, it was seized by government authorities and sold at auction. Throughout the 19th century, The Fountain House hosted, in addition to a tavern, the first Doylestown post office, and a stagecoach line connecting Philadelphia and Easton. The Fountain House was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.[2]

Construction

The Fountain House, built primarily in the Victorian style, has gone through a number of changes.

  • 1758: Original stone structure built
  • 1830: Third story added
  • 1849: Two additional structures built on either side
  • 1876: Gabled Roof replaced with Mansard Roof
  • 1971: Restored

Current occupants

Currently, The Fountain House hosts several business occupants, primarily the Starbucks which occupies the entire first floor. Several law offices and apartments are located on the second and third floors. It is a major social gathering location in Doylestown. The town's Christmas Tree is placed in front of the building annually.

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. "Fountain House" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination form. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. 1971. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
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