Exterior of the Gallatin House

Friendship Hill Gallatin House

Quick Facts

Location:

Top of the knoll

Significance:

Sections of the house were built by Gallatin

Designation:

Visitor Center

Amenities

7 listed

Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

13. Exterior of the house

From the wayside at the top of the sidewalk from the parking lot, you see a side of the historic Friendship Hill. Albert Gallatin will purchase 370 acres in 1786, and begin building in 1789. The house and grounds have gone through a number of changes with six other families owning it between Gallatin and the National Park Service in 1978.

Gallatin will sell the property in 1832, and in the 46 years he will cumulatively only spend about two years at Friendship Hill. His work and family kept him away, and the property and nearby New Geneva may fail to thrive because of that absence. 

From this spot, from left to right, you are looking at the Stone House, State Dining Room and the Servant's Quarters (after the arch). The Stone House was added by Gallatin in 1823 and the other sections were added post Gallatin.