George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence, built this home - his summer home - near the Lehigh River in Catasauqua, Pa. Taylor came to Pennsylvania from Ireland as an indentured servant and went to work in an iron foundry. When the foundry's owner died, Taylor took over operation of the business and married the owner's widow. Taylor later got into politics and was part of a group trying to negotiate freedom for the colonies with the British. When negotiations failed, Taylor supported the Revolutionary War. He recruited members for a militia and led them in battle. But the British seized his iron works and Taylor died penniless after the war.
The back plates of fireplaces in Taylor's home show his initials and the year of construction.
The 1768 Taylor house includes one piece of original furniture - Taylor's desk. The borough of
Catasauqua owns the house. Volunteers give tours on special occasions such as July 4th.
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