Harrowgate, Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harrowgate
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Philadelphia County |
| City | Philadelphia |
| Area code(s) | 215, 267, and 445 |
Harrowgate is a lively neighborhood found in the River Wards part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It's located just northeast of Kensington. Harrowgate is surrounded by other interesting areas. To the north, you'll find Feltonville, Juniata, and Frankford. Fairhill is to the west. To the south are West Kensington and Kensington. And to the east, you'll find Port Richmond and Bridesburg.
Contents
History of Harrowgate
Harrowgate was started in 1784 by Captain George Esterly. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Captain Esterly discovered natural springs near what is now Kensington Avenue and Tioga Street. Today, this spot is a park called Harrowgate Square.
The Original Spa Town
The water from these springs was thought to be very healthy. A famous doctor named Benjamin Rush even said so. Because of this, Captain Esterly opened a spa there. The spa had beautiful gardens and places for people to stay overnight. Visitors could also enjoy food, drinks, and sometimes concerts. Coaches would bring people from Second and Market Streets in Philadelphia to the spa.
Harrowgate got its name from a famous spa town in England called Harrogate. Around the year 1800, the springs dried up. But even without the springs, the town continued to grow and thrive.
Cedar Grove Mansion
Close to Harrowgate was a large country home called Cedar Grove. This estate belonged to the Paschall and Morris families. The first part of this charming house was built in 1746.
In 1926, the Morris family generously gave the house to the city. It was then carefully moved, stone by stone, to west Fairmount Park. Many of its original furnishings were moved with it. Today, Cedar Grove Mansion is open to the public to visit.
Historically, Harrowgate was a community where many working-class families lived. Their ancestors often came from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
People and Cultures of Harrowgate
Harrowgate is a very diverse neighborhood, meaning many different groups of people live there. This mix of cultures makes Harrowgate a unique place.
Population Makeup
According to the 2010 Census, almost half of Harrowgate's residents were Hispanic. A significant number were non-Hispanic white, and about 10% were Black. There were also Asian and other populations living in the area.
Today, many people in Harrowgate are of Puerto Rican heritage. However, there are also large groups of people with Polish, Irish, Dominican, African American, and West Indian backgrounds.
Growing Diversity
The neighborhood's Hispanic and Black populations are growing quickly. This adds to the rich cultural tapestry of Harrowgate. The area is also divided by Kensington Avenue. The part southeast of Kensington Avenue, towards Aramingo Avenue, has a mix of white, Hispanic, and Black residents. The area northwest of Kensington Avenue, towards Front Street, is mostly populated by Hispanic and Black residents. This shows the varied communities within Harrowgate.
