Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Blaine House
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 9, 2015
1. Blaine House wayside
Begun in 1794 by Colonel Ephraim Blaine – Indian trader, merchant, tavern-keeper, Sheriff, land speculator, and Commissary General of the Continental Army – the Blaine House is one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture still standing in Carlisle. Its 2 ½ story brick façade is enhanced with a grand pedimented doorway and an ornate cornice. The interior contains an elegant archway, wainscoted stairway and broken pedimented interior door surrounds. An elegant fireplace mantle with an oven mantle is located in the front room on the second floor.
In 1772 the property was purchased from the Penns by Captain Rev. John Steel, minister of the First Presbyterian Church. Called “The Fighting Parson” because of his involvement in both the French and Indian War and the Revolution, Rev. Steel sold the property in 1775 to his son-in-law Robert Semple who kept a tavern in the stone portion at the rear of this structure.
A Project of Historic Carlisle, Inc.
Photos courtesy of the Cumberland County Historical Society.
Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.
Location. 40° 12.136′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Return of the Captives (within shouting distance of this marker); 1753 Carlisle Indian Conference (within shouting distance of this marker); Episcopal Square (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shelling of Carlisle (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away); Veterans Memorial Courtyard (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Regarding Blaine House. The Historical Directory of Carlisle wayside spells the Reverend’s name as “Steele”.
Also see . . .
1. Ephraim Blaine. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Ephraim Blaine. "Find A Grave" entry. (Submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. John Steel. "Find A Grave" entry. (Submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 15, 2022
2. Blaine House Marker
Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 15, 2022
3. Blaine House & Blaine House Marker
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 9, 2015
4. Blaine House
Wayside is to the right.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 15, 2022
5. Blaine House Rear
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 9, 2015
6. Inset
"View of the Blaine House after one of the first floor windows had been converted to a door and before the storefront was created."
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 9, 2015
7. Inset
"Contemporary view of the 18th century stone tavern in the rear of the Blaine House."
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 63 times this year. Last updated on May 23, 2022, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2, 3. submitted on May 23, 2022, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5. submitted on May 23, 2022, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on July 27, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
