Laurel Hill Mansion, Philadelphia

Laurel Hill Mansion, historically known as Randolph House, is a significant historic mansion located in East Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, with a rich and complex history.

The mansion's origins are subject to conflicting accounts. Some believe it was constructed in 1748 by Joseph Shute and later purchased by Francis Rawle as a summer retreat for his family. However, the organization managing the property claims that Francis Rawle bought the land in 1760. Following Rawle's death in a shooting accident in 1761, his wife, Rebecca, oversaw the construction of Laurel Hill. The couple had three children: Anna, William, and Margaret.

Rebecca married Samuel Shoemaker, who later became the mayor of Philadelphia. The Shoemakers owned Laurel Hill and other properties. Samuel fled to England as a British Loyalist, resulting in Laurel Hill being sold at auction. Rebecca regained ownership by 1791 and, upon her death in 1819, her son William inherited it. He sold it to Dr. Philip Syng Physick, a renowned surgeon. The house passed to Physick's daughter, Sally Randolph, and became Randolph Mansion or Randolph House. In 1976, during the Bicentennial, Philadelphia renamed it Laurel Hill Mansion.

Architecturally, the central portion of the mansion, built around 1767, showcases the Georgian style. It was expanded in the early 19th century with a one-story addition to the south. In 1846, an octagonally-shaped Federal style addition was constructed on the north side.

The house is filled with portraits of past residents and 18th-century decor, including an heirloom 18th-century Philadelphia Chippendale mahogany highboy gifted by the Rawle family in 1993. There are also musical instruments like an 1808 Broadwood pianoforte and an early 19th-century harp.

The mansion was officially recognized for its historical significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 1972.