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

J. Donald Cameron Mansion

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008

1. J. Donald Cameron Mansion Marker

Inscription. During the midst of the Civil War fury in 1863 would rise this magnificent residence, situated directly across this street, which was purchased in 1870 by J. Donald Cameron (1833-1918), son of Simon Cameron. The elder Cameron had served as President Lincoln's first Secretary of War during the early years of "The Rebellion," and was the organizer of one of the most powerful and lasting state political machines in U.S. history. Son J. Donald continued the Cameron legacy as Secretary of War to President Ulysses Grant and later as Pennsylvania U.S. Senator from 1877 to 1897. Grant visited this home while President and was reportedly seen smoking cigars while relaxing on the side veranda facing State Street. Having married the daughter of James McCormick, first president of Dauphin Deposit Bank, J. Donald Cameron expanded the family business interests under the Cameron-McCormick clans. He was involved in manufacturing and railroad operations and, with his father, helped to get Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield elected to The White House. He also helped found many of Harrisburg's public and cultural institutions. J. Donald's

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home, designed in the classic Second Empire style, remained in the family until his last surviving daughter, Mary Cameron died in 1959.
Photo
1880 view of the J. Donald Cameron Mansion showing that little has changed in the time since.

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 • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant, the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield, and the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 40° 15.728′ N, 76° 53.297′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Downtown Harrisburg. It is at the intersection of North Front Street and State Street, on the right when traveling south on North Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 407 N Front St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for

Cameron Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008

2. Cameron Mansion

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: William Maclay Mansion (here, next to this marker); J. Donald Cameron (here, next to this marker); The John Crain Kunkel and Katherine Smoot Kunkel Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); William Maclay (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Michael’s Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Parish Church of St. Lawrence (Former) (within shouting distance of this marker); Genevieve Blatt (1913 - 1996) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Civic Club of Harrisburg (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

J. Donald Cameron Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John K. Robinson, May 31, 2010

3. J. Donald Cameron Mansion

Today this mansion houses law offices.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. J. Donald Cameron marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,402 times since then and 202 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on May 31, 2010, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.