Part 2/14:
Born in 1856 in Bucks County into a prominent family, Henry Mercer was afforded an excellent education and exposure to travel from a young age. He attended Harvard University and later studied law at the University of Pennsylvania. However, his innate curiosity rendered the legal profession monotonous, compelling Mercer to abandon his legal aspirations after graduation.
Instead, Mercer embarked on nearly a decade of travels across Europe and beyond, immersing himself in art, archaeology, and history. His explorations took him through French villages and German castles, where he studied paintings and ancient artifacts. These experiences ignited a romantic sensibility that would later influence the design of Fonthill.