 The Cliffs was built in 1753 by Philadelphia merchant Joshua Fisher (1707–1783), the great-grandfather of Joseph Wharton.It overlooks the Schuylkill River from the east, just north of Girard Avenue Bridge and quite close to where Fountain Green Drive meets Kelly Drive along the river.It is a country house in the Georgian style, constructed in stone, with two stories and a basement, originally heated by double fireplaces on both floors and basement.