329 S Front Street: A Civil War–Era Home in Harrisburg
A Federal-Style Historic Home in Shipoke, Built Circa 1856
Located in Harrisburg’s historic Shipoke neighborhood, 329 S Front Street is a Federal-style brick home built circa 1856. The property is historically recognized as the former residence of Civil War Brigadier General Joseph F. Knipe and sits a few hundred feet from the John Harris–Simon Cameron Mansion, one of the most significant historic landmarks in the city.
With documented history, preserved architectural features, and a prominent location along South Front Street near the Susquehanna River, this property offers a rare combination of historic significance and modern usability.
Historical Significance
329 S Front Street is historically recognized as the former residence of Civil War Brigadier General Joseph F. Knipe, a Union Army officer who played a notable role during the Civil War. General Knipe served with distinction in multiple campaigns and was part of the generation of military leaders whose service helped shape the nation during one of its most pivotal periods.
The home’s connection to General Knipe is formally acknowledged through an official historical marker located on the building and across the street, providing documented confirmation of its place in Harrisburg’s historical record. Properties with verifiable ties to nationally significant historical figures are uncommon, particularly those that remain intact and in active residential use.
Situated along South Front Street near the John Harris–Simon Cameron Mansion, the home occupies a historically important stretch of Harrisburg’s riverfront—an area closely tied to the city’s founding, early leadership, and long-term development. This context further reinforces the property’s significance beyond its architecture, placing it within a broader narrative of local and national history.
Architectural Overview: Federal-Style Design (Circa 1856)
Built circa 1856, 329 S Front Street is an example of Federal-style architecture, a design tradition that emphasized symmetry, proportion, and restrained decorative detail. Common in the early to mid-19th century, Federal-style homes were typically constructed with durable materials and balanced façades intended to convey permanence and refinement.
The home’s brick exterior, vertical proportions, and window placement reflect these principles. Inside, the scale and layout are consistent with period residential design, featuring tall ceilings, generously sized rooms, and a floor plan organized across three levels.
Many original architectural elements remain intact, including original pine flooring, original doors and trim, and period staircases, preserving the home’s historical integrity while allowing it to function as a livable residence today.
Together, these features offer a clear representation of mid-19th-century domestic architecture in Harrisburg and contribute to the property’s enduring historical and architectural significance.
PROPERTY Features
329 S Front Street offers approximately 2,376 square feet of finished living space across three levels, with a layout consistent with mid-19th-century residential design. The home includes five bedrooms and 1.5 baths, arranged to balance formal gathering spaces with private living areas.
Many original interior features have been preserved, including pine flooring, tall ceilings, original doors and trim, and two staircases—a grand front staircase and a secondary rear staircase. These elements reflect the craftsmanship of the period and contribute to the home’s architectural continuity.
The exterior spaces extend the home’s functionality while remaining appropriate to its historic setting. The property features a private fenced rear courtyard, brick patio, second-floor balcony, and garden area, offering usable outdoor space within Shipoke’s dense historic streetscape.
Located along South Front Street, the home sits just steps from the Susquehanna River and the Harrisburg Riverwalk, providing direct access to riverfront paths and open green space that have long shaped the neighborhood’s identity.
Interested in 329 S Front Street?
329 S Front Street is currently offered as a Coming Soon listing, with showings beginning soon. If you’d like additional details about the property’s history, layout, or availability—or would like to schedule a private tour once showings begin—I’d be happy to help.
