- Redfin today launched Redfin Presents Iconic Homes of America, a creative franchise on Redfin.com bringing America’s history to life through the remarkable homes and people that helped shape the nation.
- The franchise invites everyone to explore iconic homes through immersive digital experiences and free public events, starting at Philadelphia’s Betsy Ross House on November 7.
From today, Redfin is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by spotlighting the stories of iconic homes of America. Featured alongside millions of homes for sale or rent on Redfin.com, these historic properties offer a unique window into the people, pivotal moments and enduring spirit that have shaped America.
With immersive tours, detailed photography and stories of the people who lived within the walls, the franchise will bring the past into the present. Each property will also host a free in-person event, complemented by virtual experiences that make these remarkable stories accessible to people nationwide.
The series debuts with two properties:
- The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia: A landmark associated with the creation of the American flag and the story of a pioneering craftswoman and entrepreneur whose work became part of the nation’s identity.
- 1892 Bishop’s Palace in Galveston, Texas: A one-of-a-kind blend of elaborate craftsmanship, Texan influence and Gilded Age ambition.
Each property will debut separately and remain on Redfin through the end of 2027.
“America’s story isn’t just written in history books. It’s written in the homes where people have dreamed, created, persevered and changed the course of our nation,” said Jonathan Mildenhall, Chief Marketing Officer of Rocket. “As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, Redfin Presents Iconic Homes of America is an invitation to rediscover the extraordinary stories behind these front doors, and to recognize that every home, in its own way, is part of the American story.”
The Betsy Ross House: A Home Woven into the American Story
Built around 1740, the Betsy Ross House offers a glimpse into the determination, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of a working woman during America’s founding.
The Philadelphia home is associated with Betsy Ross, the upholsterer, entrepreneur and Revolutionary-era flag maker whose story became intertwined with the creation of the first American flag. While historians continue to debate parts of the familiar legend, records show Ross was an accomplished tradeswoman who made flags for the government for decades.
The home’s remarkable story extends beyond the Revolutionary era. When it faced demolition in the late 19th century, Americans from across the country came together to preserve it, contributing through 10-cent memberships. It was an early demonstration of the collective pride and community spirit that continue to give historic places their meaning.
Its Redfin listing-style page looks beyond the legend to explore Ross as a business owner, working mother and survivor who built an extraordinary life within two small, rented rooms.
1892 Bishop’s Palace: A Remarkable Gilded Age Home
Built between 1887 and 1892, Bishop’s Palace was designed by Nicholas J. Clayton, Galveston’s most influential architect, for lawyer and congressman Walter Gresham, his wife, Josephine, and their seven children. The home spans 52 rooms and 19,086 square feet. It became the residence of Bishop Byrne after the Catholic Church purchased it in 1923.
Each detail of the home was custom-chosen, from hand-carved woodwork throughout to a dining room ceiling mural painted by Josephine herself. At the heart of the home, an octagonal mahogany rotunda staircase rises beneath French stained glass, surrounded by finishes from Venice, Holland and North Africa.
The property also includes a few conversation pieces, among them Josephine’s china collection, the original bed, Walter’s desk and Bishop Byrne’s player piano. It sits in Galveston’s East End Historic District, a neighborhood of colorful historic homes and lush landscaping, with the Gulf only a few blocks south.
Today, Bishop’s Palace stands as a one-of-a-kind blend of elaborate craftsmanship, Texan influence and Gilded Age ambition.
Redfin will highlight iconic American homes through the end of 2027. Know a home with a story worth telling? Nominate it for inclusion in the creative franchise using this form. Tour the first properties and get an alert when each new home debuts using redfin.com/iconic-homes.
