The Historic Bell House, Camp John Hay, Baguio City

Posted in celebration of Baguio City's 100th year anniversary as a chartered city last September 9, 2009.

Walking distance from The Manor Hotel and inside the Historic core of Camp John Hay is the charming Bell house, the original vacation home of the Commanding General of the Philippines. It was named after General J. Franklin Bell who's credited for transforming Camp John Hay into a major military resort.

Bell House, historic vacation home, surrounded by a nice manicured garden and pine trees at Camp John Hay Historical Core



The seal of Camp John Hay, used to be displayed at the main gate, marking more than 100 years of existence from 1903

The Bell House of today currently serves as a museum of American colonial architecture and lifestyle. A portrait of John Milton Hay is displayed in the living room, complete with a fireplace, while the walls narrate Camp John Hay history through various images.


the dining room displaying lifestyle of American commanding general

At one corner of the vacation home stands a totem pole with descriptive plaque that states:

"Carved by Ernesto Dul-ang, a succession of historical figures during the first half of the 20th century form a totem pole that once looked out on top of Scout Hill

Admiral George Dewey led the Battle of Manila Bay

General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first president of the Republic of the Philippines

President William Howard Taft was the first governor-general of the Philippines and later Secretary of War took a great interest in the development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay

Secretary John Milton Hay was secretary of state when the Philippines became a colony of the United States. He died as the construction of the camp named in his honor went into full gear.

William Cameron Forbes was a governor-general of the Philippines who is credited with the development of Baguio City

President Theodore Roosevelt signed the order that designated 535 acres as the military reservation that became Camp John Hay

Major General Franklin Bell was commander of the Philippines department and designer of Italian Garden as well as Bell House and Amphitheater

Lt. Col. Lyman W. Kennon oversaw the completion of the road that facilitated the construction and development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay

Mayor James Halsema was the last American Mayor of Baguio City

General Douglas McArthur was the famous liberator of the Philippines during World War II"

Near the historic Bell house is the Bell Amphitheater, a favorite venue for weddings, debuts, parties and other events.



The Bell House and Amphitheater are not just tourist attractions in Baguio City but also has historical and heritage significance that should be preserved for posterity.

Interesting Places near Bell House and inside Camp John Hay:
The Manor Hotel
Cemetery of Negativity

How to get there:
The best way to get there is via a taxi from Baguio CBD/Session Road as public transportation (jeepneys) don't enter the former military camp (unless you love to do lots of walking)