Burnside Plantation: A Historical Landmark in Bethlehem PA

‍Burnside Plantation is a historic home and agricultural estate located about north of the village of Bethlehem in Northampton County. Burnside was completed in 1803, and is one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the Lehigh Valley. The house is a two-story, rectangular, Federal-style dwelling with a high gable roof. The main facade is five bays wide and features a center entrance topped by a transom window and flanked by two-over-two double-hung sash windows. The interior follows a central-hall plan, with the public rooms on the first floor and the living quarters on the second. A two-story kitchen wing is located to the rear of the central block. The house is well-preserved, and is one of the best-preserved examples of early 19th-century Federal architecture in the Lehigh Valley. In 1802, the year of the Burnside’s completion, a farming community had already been established in the northeastern portion of the Burnside tract. Farms had been established in the area since the early 18th century. The first recorded settler in the area was John Beckley, who purchased land there in 1777. By the time of the Burnside’s construction, a number of farms had been established in the area, but were now concentrated in a small area along the banks of the Lehigh River. In 1798, James Burnside purchased the Burnside tract, comprising of land.

Early Days

In 1798, the year of James Burnside’s purchase of the Burnside tract, Bethlehem was a small township of about 250 people. The early days of the Burnside tract are associated with the farming community that had already been established there. In the early 18th century, farmers began to establish a community in the area along the Lehigh River. The community developed in the vicinity of the “Bethlehem Ferry,” a ford that crossed the Lehigh River between two rock ledges. The community was first known as “Beckleyville,” after one of the early settlers. Beckley’s name was soon dropped and the community was called “Bethlehem.” You can learn more about Bethlehem here.

The Burnside Family

James Burnside was born in Scotland in 1752. He emigrated to the American colonies in 1765 and soon established himself as a successful farmer. Burnside first came to the attention of the public in 1781, when he offered to lease his Philadelphia store during the war. Most of his stores were located in New Jersey, but he also operated a store in Philadelphia. During the 1780s, Burnsides was well known in the colonial trade circuit. He was originally from New Jersey, but by the late 1780s he was operating stores in both Philadelphia and New York City. After purchasing the Burnside tract in 1798, James Burnside went to work on the farm. He remained on the tract until his death in 1824. Go back to our home page.

The Burnside House

The Burnside house is the oldest house in Bethlehem. It is a well-preserved example of early Federal architecture in the Lehigh Valley. It is a two-story, rectangular, Federal-style dwelling with a high gable roof. The main facade is five bays wide and features a center entrance topped by a transom window and flanked by two-over-two double-hung sash windows. The interior follows a central-hall plan, with the public rooms on the first floor and the living quarters on the second. A two-story kitchen wing is located to the rear of the central block. The house is well-preserved, and is one of the best-preserved examples of early 19th-century Federal architecture in the Lehigh Valley.

The Burnside Estate’s Present Day

Burnside Plantation, as the estate is commonly called, is now a working farm. The beautiful estate, with its historic house and outbuildings, continues to be owned and operated by members of the Burnside family. They grow vegetables, tobacco, and other crops on the estate. The farm’s dairy herd produces high-quality butter and cheese, and the Burnside horses are used for recreational and equestrian activity. The Burnside family also raises purebred horses, including pacers and trotters, and they offer riding lessons. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Burnside’s gardens, orchards, and fields. The Burnside farm store offers a variety of local crafts, farm-made foods, and souvenirs.

Burnside’s Historic Significance

Burnside Plantation is a historic home and agricultural estate located about north of the village of Bethlehem in Northampton County. Burnside was completed in 1803, and is one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the Lehigh Valley. The house is a two-story, rectangular, Federal-style dwelling with a high gable roof. The main facade is five bays wide and features a center entrance topped by a transom window and flanked by two-over-two double-hung sash windows. The interior follows a central-hall plan, with the public rooms on the first floor and the living quarters on the second. A two-story kitchen wing is located to the rear of the central block. The house is well-preserved, and is one of the best-preserved examples of early 19th-century Federal architecture in the Lehigh Valley.

Tips for Visitors to Burnside

– Be sure to visit the estate’s store, which is open daily. – Visit the Burnside vegetable farm and dairy as they are open seasonally from May through October. – Visitors should also take time to enjoy the scenic 32-acre estate grounds.

See our next articles here.

Driving Directions From Brunside Plantation To Dutch Springs in Bethlemen

Driving Directions From Elek Plumbing To Burnside Plantation