Peter Wentz Farmstead - Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Andres B.

The Peter Wentz Farmstead is an historic, Pennsylvania German farm that has been continuously farmed since 1744. It is located in Worcester Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania near Lansdale.

The first family to till this land was that of Peter and Rosanna Wentz, who were both first-generation Americans. Peter Wentz inherited the property from his father who may have purchased it as early as 1710. The couple had seven children.

The farm was sold to Dewalt Bieber in 1784 and then to Melchior Schultz, a minister of the Schwenkfelder faith, in 1794. Schultz family descendants owned the home until 1969 when it was purchased by the County of Montgomery.

The Georgian-style farmhouse was built in 1758, and is a large 2+1⁄2-story, dwelling with attached out(summer) kitchen and bake oven. The main house consists of two floors with four rooms each and a central passageway on both, a cellar with a corner water spring trough and a full attic. The front facade is built of dressed local red shale and sandstone. The remainder of the building is built of uncut sandstone and localized red shale stone. Located nearby is a circa 1920's poultry house building that has been converted to a visitor center with restrooms and a gift-shop and employees offices upstairs. Also located on the property, there are many reconstructed outbuildings, including an Privy, a smokehouse, a woodshed, an ice-house, a barn, a chicken house, and a sheepfold. Currently, the farm has sheep, cows, and chickens.

The house served as headquarters for the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army George Washington before and after the Battle of Germantown, October 2–4 and 16–21, 1777. His Excellency did not travel alone. His "military family" included a staff of a military secretary, several aides-de-camp, a dozen servants and his personal guard unit, the Commander-in-Chief's Guard. That unit consisted of sixty infantry soldiers and three officers. Washington set his 9,000 strong army two miles south on top of the Methacton hill to be in striking distance of 8,000 Crown forces in nearby Germantown.

By October 20 news arrived that the fortifications and breastworks around Philadelphia were completed, the British abandoned their outpost in Germantown. Washington responded by moving his troops within a half days march of Philadelphia. Whitemarsh or Fort Washington was chosen as it was 15 miles (24 km) away.

Rhiannon P.

Really amazing place. It was rainy so I was only one there, but it was actually very nice to be out there in the rain. The employee there gave me a great recommendations of other museums to check out. Make sure you ask them! I was late for the walking tour. I did the audio tour and it was really good.

C S.

We spent the day touring this place and ate lunch at the pavilion. Our tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable. He didn't just go through the motions. He was truly passionate about history and got every person in our group excitedly asking questions and learning. We learned so much in a fun way which inspired us to visit other places with historical significance in the area. I would highly recommend checking this place out!

Amanda H.

Beautiful outdoor park with a lot of history. I took my two dogs for a walk, “quick” walk that turned into over an hour long. Looking at the beautiful flowers and using an app to discover the each type was added fun! The houses are so old and unique. Everyone at the park along the trails seemed to be doing the same. The dogs were excited to see the cattle. Great park!

Lisa W.

The farm is absolutely beautiful land! The house is awesome. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and super friendly! Loved learning the history of the family and the home.

Barbara B.

It was small outing but i like history so reading and talking to the wormed was nice day. I thought one guy making wood spoons was informative but very pricey. I didn't not buy.
I do have trouble with walking and the men parking is got a golf cart to drive me back to car. He made my grandchildrens day letting them get on for the ride. Very nice people

Stephanie W.

An amazing and idyllic gem in Montco! It is a peaceful place with some farm animals. The staff are so kind and knowledgeable! Shout out to the cows for being adorable!

Na S.

Beautiful, well preserved and restored farmstead of Peter and Rosanna Wentz. They settled here in 1744 and moved into the new house in 1758. The interior of the home has decor and character in keeping with wealthier farmsteads. The home and barn are very large and there are many other smaller buildings. The surrounding grounds and farm are in an idyllic and peaceful setting. This is one of the homes where George Washington stayed.
A calendar on their website posts upcoming events. In November there is an Apple cider pressing demonstration and also a Sauerkraut making demonstration. During the month of December there is a candle lighting event. This beautiful historic farm is worth visiting.