The mansion is situated on a parcel of land formerly part of
Robert Morris's estate, "The Hills." In 1799 Pratt purchased of "The Hills" and accompanying structures at a sheriff's sale for $14,654 after occupant Morris suffered financial misfortunes and was taken to
debtors' prison. though he did not live year-round at Lemon Hill: his primary residence was in a
townhouse on
Front Street. To protect its water supply, the City of Philadelphia began purchasing properties along the
Schuylkill River, beginning with Lemon Hill in 1844. The
Fairmount Park Conservancy has managed the house since 2016. ==See also==