Philadelphia offers many exciting historic sites to discover, from restored homes to archaeological digs.
Independence Hall is the most well-known location, where the Declaration of Independence was declared and signed by its Founding Fathers. Other popular historical spots include Franklin Court where Benjamin Franklin lived; Elfreth’s Alley; and of course, our unique US Post Office!
Franklin Court
Franklin Court is one of Philadelphia’s most intriguing historical landmarks, located along Market Street. Here lies a post office and print shop dedicated to Benjamin Franklin (founder of American Philosophical Society) while Betsy Ross, who allegedly designed the American flag, resided here. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, Franklin Court hosts tours throughout the year.
Complex comprises an underground museum topped by two “ghost” structures that represent full-scale renditions of Franklin’s house (three stories high, 33 feet square and housing 10 rooms) designed by legendary architect Robert Venturi in 1976 for America’s bicentennial celebrations; now considered an important example of modern architecture.
Franklin Court houses the offices of The Aurora and General Advertiser, published by his grandson. To pay tribute to their famous slogan of ‘a penny saved is a penny earned,’ visitors are often invited to toss pennies on the ground during their visit – just a tradition! Additionally, several buildings continue their original purposes today.
Betsy Ross
Betsy Ross, best known as the seamstress who sewn the first American flag, resided at 11 Arch Street in Philadelphia’s Old City area. Though its exact whereabouts is uncertain, her museum recreates it to look as it would have in her day.
The museum does an outstanding job of walking visitors through the buildup to revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and wartime years – while also emphasizing women like Betsy Ross and Phillis Wheatley who contributed greatly.
This small museum holds several secrets – most prominently being its violent murder story that occurred here. One of the house’s security guards got into an argument with another guard and shot them three times in the basement; visitors have reported feeling uncomfortable being in that room since. Investigation into this crime remains open while renovation was completed with crowd funding campaign in June 2015.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary stands out both hauntingly and educationally as one of Philadelphia’s most haunted and educational landmarks, designed in 1829 during a global rethink of prison architecture. With walls and vaulted ceilings meant to emulate church interior design, Eastern State Penitentiary was meant to encourage inmates towards spiritual reconciliation while serving time behind bars.
Penitentiaries were meant to reform criminals rather than simply punish them for their crimes; however, some problems arose in terms of overcrowding and rioting; inmates began stealing food to survive while guards devised medieval practices meant to humiliate prisoners.
Prison 117 made headlines as it housed Al Capone and bank robber “Slick Willie Sutton.” Although closed in 1971, since 1994 tours have been available. Visitors are drawn by its unique architectural state; as well as its historic role in criminal justice reform. A non-profit that oversees this site focuses on explaining its complex past while raising questions about today’s system of punishment and rehabilitation.
Boathouse Row
Boathouse Row holds a special place in Philadelphia history. Each of its 11 structures are owned by different rowing clubs, used to store boats and host events year-round. Their backsides can be easily seen from Schuylkill Expressway at nighttime when lit to provide light.
Built during the second half of the 19th century, this National Historic Landmark represents Philadelphia’s unique combination of sport and history. Home of Philadelphia Girls’ Rowing Club, Undine Barge Club and Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association among other clubs;
Boathouse Row honors Philadelphians who have reached the pinnacle of their respective sports. John B. Kelly Sr, one of Philadelphia’s legendary rowers who won three Olympic gold medals for the United States between 1920 and 1924 is honored by having a statue placed north of Boathouse Row in his memory.
