Solitude House, built –1725, became the centerpiece of the iron plantation that became Union Forge Ironworks. Later called Taylor Iron and Steel Company, it eventually became known as Taylor-Wharton. John Penn, the last royal governor of Pennsylvania, and Benjamin Chew, the last chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, were political prisoners at Solitude House during the American Revolutionary War. Five generations of the Taylor family managed the business and continued to live in the house, until 1938. Acquired by the Borough in 2001, and previously operated as a museum. The Union Forge Heritage Association operated Solitude House Museum from 2002 to 2012.Tyrrell, Joe. "The Battle for Solitude House", NJSpotlight, July 30, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2013. The museum is now at the Turner–Chew–Carhart Farm in nearby Union Township.
