Mercersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Archibald Irwin House

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 21, 2024

1. The Archibald Irwin House Marker

The marker now hangs inside of the house.

Inscription. On September 26, 2003, this property was nearly destroyed by fire. Located in the northwest corner in a two-story log house built in 1791-1792 by Archibald Irwin. Irwin's granddaughter Jane married William Henry Harrison, Jr., and served as First Lady when her father-in-law, William Henry Harrison, Sr., was elected 9th President of the United States. Irwin's granddaughter Elizabeth married John Scott Harrison and became the mother of Benjamin Harrison, who served as 23rd President of the United States. Also, renowned craftsmen of the 1800's lived here. Borough Council members are working hard to restore this important piece of local history. Members sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause residents or visitors.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #09 William Henry Harrison, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #23 Benjamin Harrison series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1858.

Location. 39° 49.656′ N, 77° 54.217′ W. Marker is in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It can be reached from South Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 16) north of East California Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker has been moved

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

inside of the visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25 S Main St, Mercersburg PA 17236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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: James Buchanan (within shouting distance of this marker); John Darby, Lot 14, 1786 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ambush at Mercersburg (within shouting distance of this marker); The Irwin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lot 35 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lot No. 53 (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Murphy's Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizens Seized (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mercersburg.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.

Additional commentary.
1. Archibald Irwin
I am a gr.gr.gr.gr.gr.grandson of Archibald Irwin. I am very glad to see that his cabin is being taken care of. I was there nine times to see Irwinton and his cabin. I did not know that a cabin was behind the bricks. When I heard of the fire I was very stunned. I plan to return soon to take photos of it.
Thank you for your work.
Paul A. Irwin Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, May 18, 2008

2. The Archibald Irwin House Marker

This is a photo of the marker from when it was outdoors.

— Submitted July 20, 2008, by Paul A. IRWIN of Lancaster, Ohio.

Additional keywords. First Ladies of the United States, FLOTUS

The Archibald Irwin House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, May 18, 2008

3. The Archibald Irwin House

June 24, 2017

4. The Archibald Irwin House Marker

The house has been "finished", with a porch added on. It houses the Chamber of Commerce and a cafe.

June 24, 2017

5. The Archibald Irwin House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,640 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3. submitted on May 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on June 24, 2017.