Perikomen Bridge Hotel
Also known as: Lane's Hotel
Why it's listed
Along the Perkiomen Creek in Collegeville, the inn has provided food and lodging at this ford for nearly three centuries. Its present form is the result of successive phases. The oldest wing at the north end has hand-hewn timbers, a massive fireplace and a bake oven, and is thought to date to the early eighteenth century. The main three-story block to the south, built of cut brownstone, is dated to about the time of the stone bridge completed in 1798. The inn was built by Edward Lane, holder of the original land grant from William Penn. Its orientation toward the two roads that converged at the crossing, rather than the customary south, is cited as an early example of highway-oriented design. Nineteenth-century additions, porches and 1930s alterations reflect the shift from stagecoach and railroad travel to automobile trade. The building is regarded as a significant record of regional transportation and building practice.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the inn is significant for its long association with the ford and bridge crossing and the evolution of regional transportation, from colonial roads through turnpikes, railroad excursions and automobile travel. Its building fabric, including an early wing and cut brownstone masonry, is presented as a record of changing construction and taste. Documentary sources, including references from local historians, are cited to support its role as a regional landmark.
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 85000037, listed January 3, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Main St. and Rt. 29, Collegeville |
|---|---|
| County | Montgomery County |
| Listed | January 3, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85000037 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1706-1939 |
| Architect / builder | Edward Lane (builder of original inn) |
| Architectural style | Federal/Greek Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Altered; a later addition and interior modifications are described, and the document notes later plywood paneling that is reversible. |
| Acreage | 1 |
| Coordinates | 40.18477, -75.44940 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
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 85000037.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7169081
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.