Philadelphia - Day Tripper Guide
# 076-Ben's Neighborhood, Day Tripper Self-Guided Tour
Begin the tour on Market Street, between Front and Second. Notice, as shown in the picture below, the north side of the 100 block is literally a PennDOT off-ramp from Penn's Landing. There is no indication this is a significantly historic site where our most influential Founding Father began his career.
Ben's early life, Franklin PressThe combined sites at 139, 131, and 141 Market Street, on the north side of Market Street between Front and Second Streets in Philadelphia, occupy a historically significant block in Old City. These locations mark the area where Benjamin Franklin established his early printing business, operated a stationery shop, and resided with his family.
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At his print shops—first at 139 Market Street and later at 131 Market Street—Franklin published works were successful, whereby he …” gained his significant sense of importance to the community as an organizes” [*}. His call for unity, the 1754 snake cartoon, “Join or Die cartoon”, shaped colonial society and political thought during the Revolutionary era. All three sites were situated near the historic Jersey Market, a major center of commerce and public life for nearly a century. From this strategic location, Franklin’s activities contributed significantly to Philadelphia’s emergence as a leading city in early America. While living at 141, he emerged as a prominent figure in the Pennsylvania Assembly, as well as gaining worldwide fame as an inventor and scientist.
* Benjamin Franklin and the Ends of Empire, by Carla Mulford, Oxford University Press, 2015, pgs. 126 & 130
* Benjamin Franklin and the Ends of Empire, by Carla Mulford, Oxford University Press, 2015, pgs. 126 & 130
Head west up Market Street, and in the middle of the 300 block, on the south side, where you will find Franklin Court.
Ben's political life, Franklin Court
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Franklin’s Court, located between 3rd and 4th Streets with entrances off Market or Chestnut Street, is a wonderful place to begin any tour of Ben’s city. This site marks where Benjamin Franklin lived from 1763 until his death in 1790. Although the original house was demolished in 1812, its foundation remains. Franklin referred to this space as his “niche.” Today, a modern “ghost structure” outlines where his home and print shop once stood, giving visitors a striking sense of the original layout. The museum and gift shop are located downstairs and are well done, engaging, and worth a visit.
Before you leave, stop by the small post office on the premises, where you can have postcards stamped with Franklin’s address.As you exit the court, head west and turn right onto 5th Street. Continue to Arch Street.
Before you leave, stop by the small post office on the premises, where you can have postcards stamped with Franklin’s address.As you exit the court, head west and turn right onto 5th Street. Continue to Arch Street.
Christ Church Burial Grounds is where Ben was laid to rest. It is just off Independence Mall at the corner of 5th and Arch Street. It is open seven (7) days a week from 11 AM - 5 PM. Take a stroll in the graveyard, and make sure you throw a penny on Ben’s grave.
TIP: If you are there after hours, you can still see the grave site and throw your penny from outside the fence.
TIP: If you are there after hours, you can still see the grave site and throw your penny from outside the fence.
Just down Arch Street, east towards 4th, next to Ladder Company 2, in Girard Fountain Park, is the one-ton, 9' tall, James Peniston-sculpted bust of Ben, titled “Keys to the Community.” It is cast from 1,000 keys collected from local school children alloyed with brass name plates of fallen Philadelphia firefighters. It was partially funded by 1.8 million pennies donated from 500 area schools. |
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Arch Street Meeting House, a beautiful Quaker property, is right across the street. I am fairly certain that Ben would have attended meetings here. The site of this place of worship has been continuously used by Quakers since 1682, when it was established by William Penn. There is a lovely, yet austere, little graveyard that has a few famous residents. One is Quaker Samuel Nicholas, 1744 – 1790, the founder of the Marine Corps, which is interesting considering Friends are pacifists. |
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Betsy Ross’s House is on the next block. You may ask what connection there was between Betsy and Ben. Well, I’ll tell you. Betsy was a Quaker, and she fell in love with an apprentice, John Ross, who was an Episcopalian. Quakers frowned on inter-denominational marriages. The penalty for such unions was severe. On a November night in 1773, 21-year-old Betsy eloped with John Ross. They ferried across the Delaware River to Hugg's Tavern and were married in New Jersey. On their wedding certificate is the name of New Jersey's Governor, William Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's son.
Here’s another connection. On July 4th weekend, 2008, Philadelphia Major Micheal Nutter performed the ceremony to marry Linda Wilde, a Betsy Ross impersonator, to Ralph Archbold, the famous Ben Franklin impersonator. Their wedding rings were dark gold with bits of the American flag, a kite, a lightning bolt, and a key embossed. 
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Fireman’s Hall Museum - Leaving Betsy’s place, you continue east a few feet, make a left on Bread Street, then a right on Quarry Street, and right around the corner. To your left at 147 N 2nd Street is the hall. This old firehouse was renovated in 1902 and is one of the nation’s premier fire museums. Philadelphia is the birthplace of the first volunteer fire company. In 1736, Benjamin Franklin created the first fire brigade, which was called The Union Fire Company.
--Around the corner, at 228 Race Street, on the corner of Bread St., is Paddy’s Pub Old City. This place inspired the bar on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It’s a Dive Bar* and allows smoking.
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Elfreth’s Alley - A block south on 2nd is Elfreth’s Alley, a picturesque cobblestone street that is known as the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
Elfreth’s Alley - A block south on 2nd is Elfreth’s Alley, a picturesque cobblestone street that is known as the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
While you’re walking to the City Tavern, stop in front of Franklin’s Ice Cream Bar, 112 Market Street. Looking across the street is a spot that Philly Town 76 is trying to get a mural constructed, showing what that block looked like in the 1720s. Ben had lived in three different houses on that block for 30 years. 139, 131 and 141 Market Street. Important years; started his first print shop, published The Gazzet, worked on his scientific, geological, and municipal ideas like home insurance, fire companies, lightning rods, the library, and the free press. Check out our Ben's Blog for more information.
City Tavern is your next stop. 132 S 2nd Street, on the corner of Walnut. Just a short walk down either Front Street or 2nd, you will find City Tavern Restaurant. This is an excellent spot for a pewter mug of beer and some authentic 18th-century grub. Ben Franklin frequented this establishment for informal meetings with the Founders since 1773. You’ll find this place quite delightful. The restaurant and its furnishings are period-style, as are the wait staff.
https://www.citytavern.com/
City Tavern is your next stop. 132 S 2nd Street, on the corner of Walnut. Just a short walk down either Front Street or 2nd, you will find City Tavern Restaurant. This is an excellent spot for a pewter mug of beer and some authentic 18th-century grub. Ben Franklin frequented this establishment for informal meetings with the Founders since 1773. You’ll find this place quite delightful. The restaurant and its furnishings are period-style, as are the wait staff.
https://www.citytavern.com/
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Dolly Todd Madison's House is just a block up Walnut, on the corner between 3rd and 4th. If you are hungry as you stroll down Walnut, stop in Freda's, 320 Walnut Street, for a fabulous bite to eat.
Dolly famously helped to define the role of the first lady and established many of the precedents that her successors would follow. She also decorated the executive mansion (White House) to reflect the importance of the presidency. The house is furnished to look as if the family still resided there and includes many 18th-century antiques. When the site is open, timed entry tickets are required. Past Todd's house, you can follow a path into a park where you'll find Carpenters Hall. |
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Carpenters Hall is in a beautiful park between Walnut and Chestnut. Another favorite meeting place of Ben Franklin was the Carpenters Hall, where the craft guild had met since 1771. Ben formed the Library Company of Philadelphia there in 1731, after he moved his personal collection from behind his dwelling on Market Street. This became the first Library of Congress in 1774. He and his friends also formed the military Light Horse Cavalry Troop and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The First Continental Congress listed the Colonies' grievances there and recommended that a Second Congress meet in May 1775. Ben and the other Founders were very busy in this turbulent revolutionary time. Their quest for independence started here. In the same courtyard is the New Hall Military Museum, a small place but interesting nonetheless, with models, flags, weapons, and figures from our early armed forces. Your next stop is right across Chestnut Street.
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National Liberty Museum
The NLM at 321 Chestnut Street brings liberty to life through stories of people whose character and courage have expanded liberty for all. The Museum's exhibits, educational experiences, and public programs inspire visitors to think about freedom as an ongoing human quest that we all share. The National Liberty Museum is now open for self-guided tours, with new hours, and ticketing. They have exhibits that change often. Hours are 10 AM - 5 PM, closed on Tuesday. www.libertymuseum.org/visit |
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The Museum of the American Revolution The Museum, at 3rd and Chestnut, has many hands-on displays, dioramas, life-size figures, and outfits the kids can dress up in. 1770s Philadelphia is brought to life with four immersive environments – a military encampment, a tavern, a place of worship, and a home. Children can also experience a variety of crafts, digital interactives, hands-on activities, and story time. Throughout the Museum, encounter themed discovery carts, create at a “History in the Making” activity table, meet living historians, and more!
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First Bank of the United States is right down 3rd Street, on the corner of 3rd and Walnut Street. It was built in 1795 when banking was a government function.
Side Story...My son won a $20 bet with the United States Secretary of the Treasury, who thought the first US bank was in NYC. Both of my grandsons now have $10 bills, which were autographed by the treasurer.
Hotels in Ben’s neighborhood:
Wyndham Philadelphia Historical District, 400 Arch St, across from Ben’s burial site.
Philadelphia Marriott Old City 1 Dock Street, cattycorner to the City Tavern.
Holiday Inn Express – Penns Landing 100 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Hilton Philadelphia at Penns Landing 201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Penn's View Hotel 14 North Front St.
Wyndham Philadelphia Historical District, 400 Arch St, across from Ben’s burial site.
Philadelphia Marriott Old City 1 Dock Street, cattycorner to the City Tavern.
Holiday Inn Express – Penns Landing 100 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Hilton Philadelphia at Penns Landing 201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Penn's View Hotel 14 North Front St.
Restaurants in Ben’s neighborhood:
There are too many to properly list. Old City is an area between Walnut and Market from 6th Street to Dock Street. It is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants. From inexpensive luncheonettes and taverns to 5-star elegance. Pick your poison.
There are too many to properly list. Old City is an area between Walnut and Market from 6th Street to Dock Street. It is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants. From inexpensive luncheonettes and taverns to 5-star elegance. Pick your poison.
*Dive Bar—This name goes back to the 1880s when some disreputable establishments were in the basement. You had to “Dive Below.” Nowadays, these neighborhood joints are old-style, shabby-type places that serve inexpensive drinks. The food may be questionable, and many times, smoking is allowed. But they are often where the locals hang out and always where the fun is.