Local History

Upper Merion's first Historical Marker: Home of Anna Morris Ellis Holstein

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), is the official history agency of Pennsylvania. Its familiar blue and gold markers highlight prominent people, places and events throughout the state. This year, Upper Merion will get its very first blue and gold PHMC Historical Marker honoring Anna Morris Ellis Holstein, a woman who dedicated her life to the service of her country.

The historic home of William and Anna Holstein sits on land that was purchased by Mathias Holstein in 1709; a thousand-acre farm that extended from the Valley Forge Shopping Center all the way to the Schuylkill River. The Holsteins had a “pleasant and delightful country home” and were people beloved and honored by all who know them.

After hearing of the horrors and suffering of the men following the battle of Antietem from her husband William, a Union Army officer, Anna was compelled to help. Within a week, she had secured donations of food, clothing and medical supplies and took them directly to the battlefield at Antietem. Anna struggled with the grisly realities of war and later admitted that she was frequently of little use until she could gain control of her composure and stop crying, but she persevered. For three years, Anna Holstein continued to volunteer as a nurse, ministering to the wounded and dying.

Anna later served as a regent for the Mount Vernon Ladies to raise money to preserve George Washington's historic home. In 1878, she helped found the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge with the mission of saving Washington's Headquarters and surrounding acreage. The organization created awareness and raised funds by sponsoring a huge event on June 19, 1878

thto commemorate the 100 anniversary of the March-out of the Army of the Revolution. The successful event enabled the purchase of the Headquarters and also the acquisition of additional acreage as well as furniture and artifacts. Anna also served as the Matron of the Pennsylvania Building at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, and founded the Valley Forge Chapter of the D.A.R in 1895 serving as its first regent. Anna Holstein passed away in her home on Henderson Road in 1900. Both she and her husband William are buried at Christ Church Old Swedes.

PO Box 60716 King of Prussia, PA 19406-0716 www.kophistory.org Facebook.com/kophistory