The Fountain House (Doylestown, Pennsylvania)

Fountain House
The Fountain House in 2010
LocationState and Main Sts., Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°18′36″N 75°7′51″W / 40.31000°N 75.13083°W / 40.31000; -75.13083
Arealess than one acre
Built1758
Architectural styleLate Victorian
NRHP reference No.72001095[1]
Added to NRHPMarch 16, 1972

The Fountain House is a historic tavern building located in the borough of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in the central commercial district. The four-story building is a major landmark of the Bucks County area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.[1]

History

The Fountain House was one of seven taverns in pre-revolutionary Doylestown. It was constructed by William Doyle, the founder of Doylestown. The first part of the building was constructed in 1758. Owned by a Tory during the American Revolutionary War, it was seized by government authorities and sold at auction. Throughout the 19th century, The Fountain House hosted, in addition to a tavern, the first Doylestown post office, and a stagecoach line connecting Philadelphia and Easton.[2]

Construction

The Fountain House, built primarily in the Victorian style, has gone through a number of changes.

  • 1758: Original stone structure built
  • 1830: Third story added
  • 1849: Two additional structures built on either side
  • 1876: Gabled Roof replaced with Mansard Roof
  • 1971: Restored

Current occupants

Currently, The Fountain House hosts several business occupants, including a Starbucks coffee shop which occupies the entire first floor. Several law offices and apartments are located on the second and third floors. It is a major social gathering location in Doylestown. The town's Christmas Tree is placed in front of the building annually.

References

  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ^ Pennsylvania Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks (July 1971). National Register of Historic Places Registration: Pennsylvania SP Fountain House. National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved December 10, 2025. (Downloading may be slow.)