Downtown Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Sylvan Heights Mansion

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

1. Sylvan Heights Mansion Marker

Inscription.

Sylvan Heights Mansion. . , "The Acropolis of Harrisburg" is a way in which to describe this Greek Revival, temple-like edifice that rests on a mound of retaining walls jutting from Allison Hill. Although these walls are relatively recent, built when the structure was converted to the home of Harrisburg's YWCA in 1998, the building has always been a curiosity in architectural style and unusual bluff-edge setting. Its original portion was built by John H. Brant (1810-1882), who came to Harrisburg around 1830. Brant operated a successful wholesale business here welling large quantities of coal, iron, nails and oil to the Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was also appointed Postmaster of Harrisburg by U.S. President Pierce in 1853 and, in 1856, erected Brant's City Hall on Market Street for use as a hotel, restaurant, and meeting hall. About the same time, he set about erecting his house on the bluff, which took about ten years to build and during which Brant served in the Civil War on the Union side, attaining the rank of colonel. Due to the length of time that the house was under construction, it acquired the nickname of "Brant"s Folly", as many thought it would never be finished. Brant sold the property in 1871, only several years after it was completed, to the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg which, after naming the property Sylvan Heights, used it for a variety of religious purposes. In 1901, the diocese established an orphanage there and expanded the building, added a gabled roof to enhance its Greek temple-like appearance, and extended its columned portico. The orphanage continued operation until the 1970's after which the building was vacated. The City acquired the site and helped with the Harrisburg YWCA's subsequent restoration of the property, renamed the John Crain Kunkel Center, including the construction of a new residential wing. Always progressive in the embrace of social advances, the Harrisburg YWCA at Sylvan Heights continues to effectively serve the needs of women and children., Top Photo , 1890's view of mansion prior to expansion for orphanage. , Bottom Photo , 1881 aerial lithograph showing mansion property at center.

"The Acropolis of Harrisburg" is a way in which to describe this Greek Revival, temple-like edifice that rests on a mound of retaining walls jutting from Allison Hill. Although these walls are relatively recent, built when the structure was converted to the home of Harrisburg's YWCA in 1998, the building has always been a curiosity in architectural style and unusual bluff-edge setting. Its original portion was built by John H. Brant (1810-1882), who came to Harrisburg around 1830. Brant operated a successful wholesale business here welling large quantities of coal, iron, nails and oil to the Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was also appointed Postmaster of Harrisburg by U.S. President Pierce in 1853 and, in 1856, erected Brant's City Hall on Market Street for use as a hotel, restaurant, and meeting hall. About the same time, he set about erecting his house on the bluff, which took about ten years to build and during which Brant served in the Civil War on the Union side, attaining the rank of colonel. Due to the length of time that the house was under construction, it acquired the nickname of "Brant"s Folly", as many thought it would never be finished. Brant sold the property in 1871, only several years after it was completed, to the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg which, after naming the property Sylvan Heights,

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used it for a variety of religious purposes. In 1901, the diocese established an orphanage there and expanded the building, added a gabled roof to enhance its Greek temple-like appearance, and extended its columned portico. The orphanage continued operation until the 1970's after which the building was vacated. The City acquired the site and helped with the Harrisburg YWCA's subsequent restoration of the property, renamed the John Crain Kunkel Center, including the construction of a new residential wing. Always progressive in the embrace of social advances, the Harrisburg YWCA at Sylvan Heights continues to effectively serve the needs of women and children.

Top Photo
1890's view of mansion prior to expansion for orphanage.
Bottom Photo
1881 aerial lithograph showing mansion property at center.

Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #14 Franklin Pierce, and the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1998.

Location. 40° 15.994′ N, 76° 52.763′ W. Marker is

Sylvan Heights Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 30, 2008

2. Sylvan Heights Mansion

in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Downtown Harrisburg. It is on State Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge and can only be viewed by walking over the bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 830 State St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pennsylvania Canal (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harris Switch Tower (about 500 feet away); U.S. Colored Troops Grand Review (about 500 feet away); Soldiers Grove (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Pennsylvania State Capitol (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Pennsylvania Canal (approx. 0.2 miles away); Agents of Change / The Women of Bethel (approx. 0.2 miles away); C. Delores Tucker (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 6,759 times since then and 179 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.