About the Manor

Welcome to the Gibson House Manor

Nestled in the heart of Jamestown, Pennsylvania, the Gibson House Manor is more than just a historic landmark—it’s a living storybook of American resilience, innovation, and community. From its early days as a family home and medical practice to its decades as a beloved local restaurant, the Manor has played many roles. Today, it stands restored and renewed as a visitor center where history comes alive.

A Place of Purpose: Home, Healing, and Hope

Built between 1856 and 1905 by Dr. William Gibson and his wife, Susan, the Gibson House Manor originally served as both their family residence and Dr. Gibson’s medical and surgical office. But the Manor also held a deeper purpose: it was a vital safehouse on the Underground Railroad.

The house contains 11 discreet design elements—hidden rooms, secret passageways, and architectural cues—that helped protect those fleeing slavery on their journey to freedom through western Pennsylvania and into Canada.

A Famous Visitor: Mark Twain’s Stay

Following the Civil War, the Manor received a visit from none other than Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Twain spent a night with the Gibsons and was so taken with their story that he included them in his travel memoir, Innocents Abroad. For a time, the house was affectionately known as the “Mark Twain Manor” in honor of this notable guest.

Generations of Stewardship

After the passing of Dr. and Mrs. Gibson, the home was passed down through a chain of families deeply connected to the community:

From 1905 to 1955, the Manor was kept in private hands, moving from the McMaster to the Klingensmith and Clarke families, preserving the home’s legacy.
In 1955, the Manor transitioned into a new chapter as a restaurant, launching six decades of continuous commercial use. Local families like the Paxtons, Mosses, Grays, Bells, and others operated beloved restaurants within its walls—each leaving their own mark on its story.
In 1978, the Manor was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.

Preservation Through Passion

From 2002 to 2016, the Manor was owned by the Jamestown Future Foundation, a nonprofit formed to preserve the building. Though the home saw fewer visitors during this period, its spirit endured through community fundraisers and historic programs.

In 2016, the Friends of the Manor began hosting events and raising funds to maintain the property. Their vision: to preserve the Gibson House not just as a museum, but as a gathering place where stories could be told and history could be experienced.

In 2023, their dream became reality. The Friends of the Manor Charitable Trust was officially formed and successfully raised over $1 million to purchase and endow the building. Today, the Trust manages the Manor as a nonprofit historic site, dedicated to the next century of storytelling, education, and community engagement.

A Living Landmark

In 2024, the Gibson House Manor reopened for regular historic tours and community events. Every day, by reservation, visitors are welcomed into the carefully restored rooms and grounds. Each space tells a story—of the Underground Railroad, of Victorian medicine, of local entrepreneurship, and of the people who made Jamestown what it is today.

We invite you to walk the halls, hear the stories, and be part of the next chapter in this remarkable journey.