Historic Homes and Mansions of Front Street, Harrisburg
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion (219 S. Front St.)
Front Street is Harrisburg’s primary riverfront street, running along the Susquehanna River. It passes through several neighborhoods, including Shipoke, Midtown, and the Uptown area. The street is largely residential and characterized by historic homes, mature trees, and continuous river views. Residents have convenient access to downtown restaurants, the Broad Street Market, Riverfront Park, and the Capital Area Greenbelt.
History of Harrisburg
Source: Wikipedia
Harrisburg developed as a riverfront settlement long before it became Pennsylvania’s capital. The area along the Susquehanna River was an important Native American crossroads and trading route for centuries before European settlement. In 1719, English trader John Harris Sr. established a ferry crossing at this location, known as Harris’s Ferry, which became a key point for transportation, trade, and westward movement. His son, John Harris Jr., later laid out the town of Harrisburg in the 1780s, anchoring development along the river.
As the city grew through the 19th century—particularly with the arrival of canals, railroads, and industry—Front Street emerged as a prominent residential and civic corridor, home to political leaders, military figures, and influential business owners. This early riverfront development is best represented by the John Harris–Simon Cameron Mansion, built in the 1760s by Harrisburg’s founder and later occupied by U.S. Senator and Secretary of War Simon Cameron.
Home Styles Along Front Street
J. Donald Cameron Mansion (407 N Front St)
The homes along Front Street reflect multiple periods of Harrisburg’s development, with architectural styles ranging from late 18th-century Federal and early brick residences to Victorian, Italianate, and Classical Revival homes constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While styles vary significantly from block to block, many properties share common characteristics, including masonry construction, tall ceilings, original wood floors, historic staircases, and large windows designed to take advantage of river light and views. The street’s continuity comes from its scale, traditional materials, and consistent relationship to the riverfront, rather than from a single architectural style.
Historic LandmarkS
Front Street is home to several of Harrisburg’s most significant historic and civic landmarks. These homes help define the street’s historical importance.
John Harris–Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S. Front Street
Built in the 1760s by John Harris Jr., founder of Harrisburg, this stone mansion is the oldest surviving structure in the city. The property later became the home of Simon Cameron, U.S. Senator and Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln. Today, it operates as a museum and serves as a cornerstone of Harrisburg’s early history.
Governor’s Mansion
2035 N. Front St
Source: Historic Harrisburg Association
Located along North Front Street, the Governor’s Residence has served as the official home of Pennsylvania’s governors since 1968. The Georgian-style residence is a prominent civic landmark and contributes to the institutional presence along the riverfront.
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
5300 N Front St
Source: forthunter.org
Fort Hunter Mansion originated as a stone structure built in 1787 and was expanded in 1814 with a larger Federal-style residence. The property reflects early riverfront settlement and trade along the Susquehanna and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it operates as a historic house museum within a 40-acre public park at the northern end of Front Street.
Civic Club of Harrisburg
612 N Front St
Source: The Civic Club of Harrisburg
Founded in 1898, the Civic Club of Harrisburg has occupied its Tudor-style North Front Street mansion, known as Overlook, since 1916. The home was built in 1903 by local engineer William Reynolds Fleming and his wife, Virginia Hammond Fleming, as a private riverfront residence. The property features a prominent river overlook and a second-floor ballroom with views of the Susquehanna that is still used for events today. The club has played a longstanding role in Harrisburg’s civic and cultural life, and the grounds include the Women’s History Garden recognizing women’s contributions to the city and state.
Homes for Sale on Front Street
Listings are current at the time of writing and subject to change.
329 S Front St - $265,000
5 beds | 1.5 baths | 2376 sq ft | Built 1856
Built circa 1856, this Federal-style brick home is one of Shipoke’s most historically significant residences. Recognized as the former home of Civil War Brigadier General Joseph F. Knipe, the property features original pine floors, tall ceilings, original doors and trim, and a grand open staircase across three finished levels. The home also offers a private fenced courtyard, brick patio, second-floor balcony, and garden space — all just steps from the Susquehanna River and Riverwalk.
Mary Sachs Mansion
2917 S Front St - $1,249,900
6 beds | 7 baths | 7,034 sq ft | Built 1920
Known as the Mary Sachs Mansion, this limestone Georgian-style residence is associated with Mary Sachs, a prominent clothier often referred to as the “Merchant Princess of Pennsylvania,” who owned Art Deco–influenced stores in Harrisburg, Reading, and Lancaster. The home has been restored to preserve its historic character while supporting modern use and is currently operated as part of The Manor on Front, offering guest accommodations and event space along the river.
Ledgestone Mansion
2909 N Front St - $1,249,900
7 beds | 7 baths | 7,365 sq ft | Built 1916
Known as the Ledgestone Mansion, this Tudor Revival stone residence has been restored to preserve its historic character and features distinctive stonework throughout the home and courtyard. Interior spaces include formal living and dining rooms, a wood-paneled library, and multiple fireplaces. A rear glass-enclosed gathering and event space includes a concealed indoor pool, and the property is currently operated as part of a bed and breakfast.
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