Wilson, George, Homestead
Why it's listed
Built in 1810 on Route 550 between Centennial and Warriors Mark in Centre County, this two-and-a-half story limestone and sandstone house of Georgian form was raised by George Wilson, who had moved his family from Chester County to Halfmoon Valley. Its walls are 18 inches thick, and its plan was designed for two families, with two stairways side by side. Wilson was the pioneer of the valley's first Quaker settlement, and the community looked to him for leadership. Through his efforts the first Friends Meeting House in Centre County was built in 1800, and the valley became the county's most important Quaker settlement. The plain door and window frames, mantelpieces and stairway reflect Quaker commitment to simple living. An 1870 addition on the right side, later kitchen work and a group of farm outbuildings survive on the property. The house has remained in the Wilson family for generations.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that the house is the earliest structure relating to the development of the Quaker faith in Centre County. Wilson was the pioneer of the first Quaker settlement in Halfmoon Valley, and through his initiative the first Friends Meeting House in the county was built. Its plain style reflects the Quaker belief in simple living.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82003776, listed February 24, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | SW of Centennial on PA 550, Centennial |
|---|---|
| County | Centre County |
| Listed | February 24, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82003776 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1810 |
| Architect / builder | George Wilson |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture, Religion |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition, with an 1870 addition and later alterations; the house has remained in the Wilson family. |
| Acreage | 12.4 |
| Coordinates | 40.75560, -78.06728 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82003776.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5546419
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.