A Brief Timeline of South Philly Through the Ages (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of South St Philadelphia? ›

South Street (then known as Cedar Street) formed the original southern boundary of William Penn's 1682 plan for Philadelphia. In the eighteenth century, it was a liminal space between an increasingly cosmopolitan central city and rural townships to the south.

Beneath this facade, however, Philadelphia represents an urban cluster of national and international stature. Its place in history was secured by its role as the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the constitutional convention of 1787, and second U.S. national capital.

South Philadelphia is known for its artistic flare captivated by Philadelphia's Magic Gardens and its multicultural, foodie attractions, like the Italian Market.

Philadelphia's Independence Hall played host to the Continental Congress. It too was where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Philadelphia was the home to some of the rebellion's most recognized proponents such as inventor turned patriot Benjamin Franklin.

Along with all other jurisdictions in Philadelphia County, South Philadelphia became part of the City of Philadelphia proper with passage by the Pennsylvania legislature of the city–county Act of Consolidation, 1854.

No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without a stop at Elfreth's Alley, often referred to as the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. It was opened shortly before 1702 by Arthur Wells, a blacksmith, and John Gilbert, a bolter, and is only a stone's throw away from Christ Church.

The country's first World Heritage City, Philadelphia is also the birthplace of the United States, where our Founding Fathers met, discussed, debated and formed a new country.

In the late 1800s, Philadelphia led the nation in industrial production, especially in manufacturing. This position not only defined the city's economic status but also shaped many of the international connections, helped to carve out neighborhoods, and led to the establishment of numerous charity organizations.

South Street is like a vein, it carries the blood and life. It's the major entertainment and social thoroughfare of South Philadelphia. It is busy at some times, quaint and quiet at others. It has old brick, new modernist, and tons and tons and tons of urban art and creativity.

What happened to South Street Philadelphia? ›

A man was sentenced on Wednesday for his role in a fight that led to a mass shooting that left three people dead and 11 others injured on South Street in Philadelphia back in 2022. Rashaan Vereen, 36, was convicted of simple assault, conspiracy and recklessly endangering another person following a waiver trial.

South Philadelphia High School 2024 Rankings

South Philadelphia High School is ranked #13,242-17,655 in the National Rankings. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college. Read more about how we rank the Best High Schools.

In 1790, after the Revolutionary War (during which the city witnessed the Battle of Germantown), Philadelphia served as capital of the United States. By that time, it was the new nation's biggest city, with 44,096 residents. The First Bank of the United States and the first U.S.

On September 5, 1774, the first Continental Congress in the United States met in Philadelphia to consider its reaction to the British government's restraints on trade and representative government after the Boston Tea Party.

The eastern end of South Street comprised part of the Jewish and Italian Fabric Row, while the more western areas around South Street served as a cultural and commercial center for South Philadelphia's African American community.

The first row houses to grace the new world were erected on what is now known as Sansom Street in Center City. Named Carstair's Row after architect Thomas Carstair, the original homes were built in the in the early 1800s. Over the years, most of these structures were updated and renovated.

This area was essentially obliterated by highway construction starting in the 1970s. Today, the area most often referred to as Philadelphia's modern-day skid row is in the Kensington neighborhood, along Kensington Avenue near the intersections of Somerset Street and Allegheny Avenue.