Captain William Vicary House
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Location:
1235 Third Avenue, Freedom, PA 15042
Description:
The Captain William Vicary House, a historic mansion nestled in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, stands proudly at 1235 3rd Ave. in the borough of Freedom, overlooking the serene Ohio River.
Captain William Vicary, an esteemed figure in the United States Navy during the War of 1812, received recognition from the government for his valiant service with a generous grant of 500 acres (200 ha) of land in the Northwest Territory. Settling in Sewickley, Vicary's path intertwined with that of the Harmony Society, founders of the Old Economy Village along the Ohio River. Captivated by the allure of the region, Vicary acquired 604 acres (244 ha) of land near Economy, where he embarked on the construction of a stately stone mansion in 1826. Local artisans, employing sandstone sourced from nearby quarries, meticulously crafted the mansion, completing it in 1829 at a staggering cost of over $4,000. Legal disputes surrounding the construction persisted beyond Vicary's passing in 1842, ultimately resolved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
For over a century, the Vicary family called the mansion home until 1912 when it changed hands, eventually falling under county ownership in 1924. Threatened by the looming construction of Route 65 in the 1960s, the mansion faced condemnation. However, a grassroots movement rallied to its defense, ensuring its preservation. Today, under the stewardship of the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, the mansion serves as a living testament to the region's rich history.
Recognized for its architectural significance, the Vicary House earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Notable features include its distinguished exterior, adorned with double chimneys and masterfully crafted stonework—a testament to the skilled masons of yore. While twentieth-century alterations, such as the removal of a grand fireplace and the conversion into apartments, altered its original layout, the mansion's historic charm remains intact. Welcoming visitors as a cherished historic house museum, the Vicary House continues to inspire and educate generations with its timeless allure.
