Natural Landmarks in Philadelphia

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The Delaware River
The Delaware River

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The city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, is known for more than just the Liberty Bell. Visitors, residents and those passing through the city have an assortment of natural landmarks in Philadelphia throughout the city itself to tour. Many of the natural wonders are scenic and photogenic, adding to the overall experience of visiting Philadelphia. Seeking out the natural beauty within such a large city brings a new aspect to spending time in the area.

The Delaware River

Dividing Philadelphia and the state of New Jersey, the river is famous for George Washington’s crossing into New Jersey on December 25, 1776 during the American Revolution. One specific area of the river, the Delaware River Water Gap, is the portion of the river where the river cuts directly through the mountains; providing a canal view and feel for those touring the area.

The Schuylkill River

Another natural landmark in Philadelphia, the Schuylkill River, provides a scenic view of the city as those traveling along the river have an unobstructed view of the Philadelphia skyline. Options for exploring the river include walking trails, boating, swimming and sailing.

The Great Appalachian Valley

Providing for a different number of natural landmarks in Philadelphia are the The Appalachian Mountains, which span from Canada to Alabama and cross through Philadelphia. The valley they create is scenic where the mountains cut through the Schuylkill River, the water gap formation is suitable for those seeking to experience both the mountains and the river simultaneously.

Cherry Trees

Throughout Philadelphia, cherry trees dot and adorn the city. Philadelphia natural landmarks include the cherry trees dotting the landscape, which bloom in the spring. They are a natural landmark found throughout the city, and many remind visitors of the infamous cherry tree George Washington chopped down. Various celebrations and festivals throughout Philadelphia celebrate the cherry trees as they bloom for the season.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is located to the north of Philadelphia. The 1,200 acres park is a natural setting for an assortment of wildlife, flora and fauna. One of the most renowned portions of the refuge is the freshwater tidal marsh contained within. It is the largest such marsh within the state of Pennsylvania and is one of the Philadelphia natural landmarks suitable for visitors of all ages.


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Historical Buildings in Philadelphia; The Top Historical Buildings to See

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Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, served as the temporary capitol of the United States from 1790 to 1800. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed in this city, making Philadelphia one of the most important places in American history. A tour of historical buildings in Philadelphia provides a taste of the past while exposing tourists to a city on the cusp of the future.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is probably the most famous of all historical buildings in Philadelphia. In 1950, the National Park Service restored Independence Hall to its original 1776 appearance. Both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed in this hall, making it one of the most significant historical landmarks in the United States. (http://www.nps.gov/inde/independence-hall-1.htm)

Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary which stands in ruins today was once known for its great architecture and its ability to inspire penitence in the worst offenders. Al Capone and bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton both inhabited its vaulted, sky-lit cells making it one of the most notorious buildings in Philadelphia. (http://www.easternstate.org/)

Todd House

John Todd was a top Philadelphia barrister who died of yellow fever in 1793. His widow Dolley was a widely sought-after hostess, who went on to become the wife of the fourth president of the United States. Dolley Madison stayed inside when the White House was evacuated during the War of 1812, protecting both vital state documents and a famous portrait of George Washington. Her gaiety and sparkle in Washington, D.C. society
City Hall was essential to James Madison winning reelection in 1812. (http://www.ushistory.org/tour/todd-house.htm)

Congress Hall

Standing to the right of Independence Hall, Congress Hall housed the United States Congress when Philadelphia was the capitol of the United States. In fact, the United States Congress met in the rooms of one of the most historically significant buildings in Philadelphia to ratify the Bill of Rights in 1791. When Washington, D.C., became the nation’s capitol, Congress Hall became the Philadelphia County Courthouse. (http://www.congresshall.com/index.php)

Arch Street Meeting House

The Arch Street Meeting House provides a history of the Quakers who originally formed Pennsylvania as a “Holy Experiment.” Ignoring the Classical Revival style that was en vogue in the early 1800s, Arch Street was built according to Quaker principles of simplicity and plainness. To this day, Quakers still use the building for worship and for their Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia. (http://www.archstreetfriends.org/index.html)

Carpenter’s Hall

Carpenter’s Hall served as host to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and as the home of Benjamin Franklin’s library company. This Chestnut Street treasure also served as home to both the First and Second Banks of the United States. (http://www.ushistory.org/carpentershall/)

Betsy Ross House

According to legend, George Washington walked into Betsy’s house with a folded piece of paper in his hand that detailed how he wanted the American flag to be designed. She kept all of Washington’s ideas; her only tweak was to change his six-pointed start to five-pointed stars. The house owned by the woman who sewed America’s first flag became a historical landmark in 1937. (http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/what-to-see/)

Eastern State Penitentiary

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The Historical Bridges of Philadelphia

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Ben Franklin Bridge

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge

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Philadelphia is one of the oldest and most historic cities in America, and for fans of history and architecture there is plenty to see when it comes to its Philadelphia bridges that have survived through the ages. Behind those stone and steel constructions lay different stories of their planning and origins. The historic bridges this city showcases are not only nationally recognized but acknowledged by many international organizations as well. Below are examples of bridges that you can find around Philadelphia.

Frankford Avenue Bridge

One of the earliest bridges in Philadelphia is the Frankford Avenue Bridge which was erected on 1697 at the decree of William Penn. Its original name was King’s Path but eventually changed to several names such as King’s Highway, Bristol Turnpike, and now currently holding the name Frankford Avenue Bridge. In 1893, there was a major renovation made. The width of the bridge was increased to the south side of the bridge by the addition of a stone arch. This bridge is also known as the Pennypack Creek Bridge since it carries a road over the Pennypack. Reportedly to be the oldest roadway bridge in the United States, this bridge was designated by the American Society of Civil Engineering a National Civic Engineering Landmark in 1970. (http://bridgehunter.com/pa/philadelphia/frankford-avenue/#Desc)

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge

Opened and completed in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same architect who participated in the design of the famous Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Ralph Modjeski as the chief engineer. What makes this one of the more popular Philadelphia bridges is the construction of the two tall towers seemingly merging with the sky as you pass under them. This is the primary roadway that links Philadelphia’s Center City to New Jersey. The bridge also brings you to two churches that are historical landmarks, St. Augustine and St. George’s churches. (http://bridgehunter.com/pa/philadelphia/677301067600000/)

Falls Bridge

Erected in 1895 by Filbert Porter and Co., this bridge has undergone major reconstruction since 1986. It has a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet in length. It also has a deck width of 25.9 feet. It was constructed as a double-deck bridge which connects Calumet Street to Kelly Drive with the West River Drive at Neill Drive. This is located at the opposite side of the famous Schuylkill. Originally, the historic bridge was constructed in order to carry vehicular traffic on the lower deck while streetcars travel on the upper deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and ornate structure. (http://bridgehunter.com/pa/philadelphia/677301004000040/)

Strawberry Mansion Bridge

Strawberry Mansion Bridge, originally called “Trolley Bridge”, has always been intertwined with affairs of the Fairmount Park Transportation Company. This bridge was erected in 1897 and was renovated in 1998 to connect East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a famous Philadelphia politician with Russell Fair, Jr., as the chief engineer. The bridge has amazing four wrought-iron arches on three stone piers with three Warren trusses. (http://bridgehunter.com/pa/philadelphia/677301016001150/)

42nd Street Bridge

Last but not the least is the 42nd Street Bridge which is a main route on 42nd Street over the Amtrak Railroad. This metal through arch bridge was constructed in 1909 by Owego Bridge Company of Owego, New York and the Philadelphia Department of Public Works. In 2006, it underwent a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (excellent) rating, the highest possible rating from the National Bridge Inventory. This bridge is one of the most popular bridges in Philadelphia because of the fact that it is the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania. (http://bridgehunter.com/pa/philadelphia/677301027001250/)


Ben Franklin Bridge

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Religious Landmarks in Philadelphia; Gorgeous Church Sites

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Philadelphia: Christ Church
Philadelphia Christ Church

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is home to some of the most magnificent religious landmarks in the United States. In fact, many of the religious landmarks in Philadelphia have been described as architectural masterpieces and make for exciting tours.

Christ Church

The Christ Church, located on 20N. American street on the corner of 2nd street and Market Street is one of the most amazing religious landmarks in Philadelphia. The main body of the Christ Church was built in 1727. However, the addition of the steeple in 1754 increased the height of the church to 60 meters and which made it the tallest building in North America, at the time. Some of the nation’s founding fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Francis Hopkinson worshiped there. Visitors can visit the church from 9AM-5PM on Mondays to Saturdays and 1PM -5PM on Sundays. (http://www.christchurchphila.org/)

St. Peters Episcopal Church

St. Peters Episcopal Church is located on the corner of Third and Pine streets. This red-brick Episcopal Church was originally opened for worship in 1761 because the Christ Church was considered too muddy for fine gentlemen. The church is considered one of the special Philadelphia religious landmarks because George Washington and Mayor Samuel Powel among other founding fathers worshiped there and sat in pew 41. The visiting hours are 8:30am – 4pm on Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3pm on Saturdays and 1pm to 3pm on Sundays. Tour guides are available from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 1pm to 3pm on Sundays (http://www.stpetersphila.org/)

Masonic Temple

The church-like Masonic temple is located on the corner of North Broad Street. Although the temple was first dedicated in 1873, it took 30 years to decorate the temple’s interior which makes it one of the most amazing Philadelphia religious landmarks. The temple is open Tuesday to Friday every week with guided tours at 11 am, 2 pm and 3 pm. The temple is also open every Saturday except in June and August with guided tours at 10 am, 11 am and 12 noon. Visitors are charged a small admission fee which goes towards the maintenance of this magnificent temple. (http://www.pagrandlodge.org/tour/mtemple.html)

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church located Near Christina Avenue and Columbus Boulevard is yet another of the magnificent religious sites in Philadelphia. Gloria Dei was constructed between 1697 and 1700 and is therefore the oldest church in Pennsylvania. On most weekdays, the church is open for visitors from 9 am to 4 pm. However, like many other religious sites in Philadelphia Gloria Dei advises its visitors to call ahead so as to arrange a tour. (http://www.old-swedes.org/)

National Shrine of St. John Neumann

This Roman Catholic Shrine which is located at 1019 North 5th street gets its name from St. John Neumann the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. The Shrine constitutes the lower church of St. Peter the Apostle Church which was built in 1843. Next to the lower church is a museum containing exhibits of St. John Neumann’s life. The church is open everyday during mass. (http://www.stjohnneumann.org/)

Philadelphia: Christ Church

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Monuments in Philadelphia; Liberty Bell and More!

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Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall

Image by bengrey

 

Philadelphia is one of the most historically important cities in the United States. As a result of all important happenings in the city over hundreds of years its been around, there are literally dozens of different attractions and monuments in Philadelphia that you can go and visit. Of course it always pays to prioritize, so we’ve listed some of the more famous Philadelphia monuments below.

Washington Monument

While not the towering Washington Monument that many people think of, Philadelphia has a famous statue of America’s first president George Washington astride his horse. This massive statue was created in 1897 from bronze and granite, and the statue was made with an impression of Washington’s face before the president’s death. The base of the statue features the flora and fauna of America, showing the country’s pride and support for its first president. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eakins_Oval)

Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell is perhaps one of the most famous pieces of history from the era of the American Revolution. The center gives you an opportunity to take an up close look at a genuine piece of American history straight from your textbooks. Liberty Bell center also includes a huge amount of information about the bell, including the myths and legends about it as well as the most important facts about its history. (http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htm)

City Hall

Located at Broad and Market Streets, City Hall was one of the tallest buildings in Philadelphia, and its also the tallest masonry bearing building in the world, as well as one of the most easily recognizable buildings in the city. The hall boasts a huge bronze statue of the city’s designer, William Penn, and the building itself took over 30 years to complete. Even to this day it stands as the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_City_Hall)

Benjamin Franklin Bridge

Originally completed in the year 1926, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was designed by engineer Paul Cret. For the longest time the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was the longest, single-span bridge in the world. Although no longer one of the marvels of modern engineering, the bridge is still used to provide for the traffic needs of the city, shuttling citizens and visitors alike back and forth over the bridge. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin_Bridge)

Philadelphia City Hall

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