Archaeologists have uncovered human remains at the historic Hood Mansion in Limerick, reports 6ABC.
While the remains have yet to be identified, it’s believed that they belong to someone from the Hood family. The estate was built in 1834 for John Mclelland Hood, an Irish immigrant and trader who used the home as a summer getaway for his family.
As many as 15 family members were interred on the property. To prevent grave robberies, much of the remains were relocated to Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery.
The estate is believed to have once been part of the Underground Railroad. Tunnels lead from the outhouse to the main house, and then to the front yard. The Eastern Pennsylvania Preservation Society believes that these tunnels were used to harbor runaway slaves.
The property is currently owned by a New York City real estate developer who plans to demolish the estate to make room for warehouses.
As the estate does not qualify for historical preservation, the Eastern State Pennsylvania Preservation Society has made a plea to the public, offering the mansion for free to anyone willing to relocate the building off of the property.
Relocation and rehabilitation of the mansion are expected to be between $1 million and $2 million.
Read more about the historic property and the remains found at 6ABC.
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