Fairmount Park - Home of Benedict Arnold

In 1779, after the Redcoats left Philadelphia, Benedict Arnold purchased a mansion along the Schuylkill River as a wedding present for his bride, Peggy Shippen. The house was originally built for John Macpherson, a privateer who lost his arm while gaining a fortune.

Designed and built by Thomas Nevell, the home had the best of everything. John Adams reportedly called it "the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania."

Although they entertained in their home, Arnold and his wife never permanently resided there because of his duties as commander of West Point - the American fort he tried to betray in 1780.

In 2006, the house was restored to its former splendor - at a cost of $1.6 million.

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