New Brighton in Beaver County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Irish-Townsend House
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
1. Irish-Townsend House Marker
Lydia Irish, an abolitionist, built this historic home circa 1855. Her family was known for their safe houses and as conductors on the underground railroad. In 1863, William Penn Townsend bought the home. He enlarged it by adding an art gallery, brick barn, a stone wall and many internal improvements. He died here in 1896.
Erected by New Brighton Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 40° 43.899′ N, 80° 18.421′ W. Marker is in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, in Beaver County. It is on 13th Street east of 7th Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 737 13th Street, New Brighton PA 15066, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and in the Ohio River Valley. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Underground Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); White Cottage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christ Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of New Brighton (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Underground Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Merrick Art Gallery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Childhood Home of Edward Dempster Merrick (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Brighton.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
2. Irish-Townsend House and Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
3. Irish-Townsend House
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
