Black Bottom, Philadelphia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Black Bottom
Historical neighborhood
Mosaic depicting Black Bottom at University City High School
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
City	Philadelphia
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern Time)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (Eastern Daylight Time)

Black Bottom was a historic neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a place where many African American families lived. Most of its buildings were torn down in the 1960s as part of a big city project called urban renewal.

Where Was Black Bottom Located?

Black Bottom was located in West Philadelphia, between 32nd and 40th streets. Its exact northern and southern borders are not always clear. However, it was generally north of the University of Pennsylvania campus. It was also south of the Mantua and Powelton Village neighborhoods.

Before it was known as Black Bottom, this area was part of other places. These included Blockley, Hamilton Village, and Greenville. After many families had to move in the 1960s, this area became part of West Philadelphia's University City.

A Look Back: Black Bottom's History

Before Philadelphia became one big city in 1854, this area was busy. It had places like taverns and businesses that served travelers. These travelers often used stagecoaches or moved cattle.

After the American Civil War, the area grew into a nice suburb. People could easily get around using streetcars. The University of Pennsylvania moved to this area in 1870.

After World War I, wealthier families started moving to areas further west. This left some neighborhoods in eastern West Philadelphia struggling. Because housing was more affordable here, many African Americans moved to Black Bottom. Many came from the Southern States during the Great Migration. They often faced unfair housing rules in other parts of the city.

What Was Urban Renewal?

By 1920, the University of Pennsylvania had grown a lot. It reached as far north as Walnut Street. In 1959, several large institutions wanted to change the area. These included Penn, Drexel University, and Presbyterian Hospital. They wanted to remove old buildings and create a new "University City." This new area would have homes and services for students and staff.

These groups formed the West Philadelphia Corporation. They bought many properties to tear them down. This led to disagreements with the people living in Black Bottom.

One major issue happened in 1963. There were plans to build a special science high school. This school, called University City High School, would be built on land where many families lived. Black Bottom residents worried that their children would not get into this school. They felt it was mostly for the children of university staff. Building the school also meant that many families would lose their homes.

Eventually, parts of Black Bottom were officially declared "blighted" by the city. This meant the city could buy the remaining properties. They used a process called eminent domain. The last buildings were torn down by the late 1960s. Many families had to move from their homes.

Today, former Black Bottom residents celebrate "Black Bottom Day." This event happens every year in late August in Fairmount Park. It helps them remember their community.