Zelienople in Butler County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Passavant House 1808
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 31, 2018
1. The Passavant House 1808 Marker
Philippe Passavant and his new bride Zelie built this home in 1808. She was the daughter of Dettmar Basse of Germany, who built the Bassenheim Castle, just west of town. Their son Rev. William Passavant founded many benevolent institutions during his lifetime, including the Passavant Home for Orphans in Zelienople, the Passavant Hospitals in North Hills, and Chicago, and Thiel College.
Erected by The Zelienople Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Forts and Castles • Immigration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.
Location. 40° 47.581′ N, 80° 8.201′ W. Marker is in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, in Butler County. Marker is on South Main Street (Perry Highway) (U.S. 19) just north of West Beaver Street (Pennsylvania Route 68), on the left when traveling north. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just to the right of the east entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 243 South Main Street, Zelienople PA 16063, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gottlieb Zeigler • Garman Murray [Building] (within shouting distance of this marker); The Buhl House 1805 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Allen House & Butcher Shop
this page online
Regarding The Passavant House 1808. National Register of Historic Places #77001133.
Also see . . .
1. Passavant House.
The oldest house in Zelienople now serves as a museum, library, and headquarters for the Zelienople Historical Society. Its name reflects the Passavant family, the most famous of whom was Rev. William Passavant known for his charitable works on behalf of the Lutheran community in the United States, who was born in the house. The interior now features a large collection of furniture, clothing, personal and household items, particularly of the Passavant family, dating back to the early 1800s.(Submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Passavant House.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 31, 2018
2. The Passavant House (east elevation)
The "Baron" Frederick William Detmar Basse suffered severe financial losses in Germany during the early Napoleonic wars. In 1802 in an attempt to recoup his fortunes he purchased 10,000 acres of Depreciation Lands in what is now Butler County. By 1808 he had sold a large tract of his land to the Harmony Society, and developed farming and mercantile interest throughout the area. He laid out a town which he named after his favorite daughter Zelie. He persuaded Zelie and her new husband Philippe Passavant to immigrate and in 1809 constructed the subject house as a gift for them. The Passavant House is the oldest house in Zelienople and is well preserved. Its fine "Philadelphia" doorway is particularly noteworthy.(Submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Passavant House Museum Zelienople, PA. (Zelienople Historical Society's virtual tour of the 1808-1810 Passavant House museum) (Submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 31, 2018
3. The Passavant House (northeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
