List of Pennsylvania state historical markers in Philadelphia County facts for kids

Location of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania

Imagine walking around Philadelphia and finding special signs that tell amazing stories about the past! These signs are called Pennsylvania state historical markers. They are placed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to help everyone learn about important people, places, and events that happened right here in Philadelphia County.

As of 2021, there were 321 of these markers. Some are big "Roadside" signs, others are smaller "City" signs on posts, and some are "Plaque" markers attached to buildings. Each one helps us remember a piece of history. Let's explore some of the cool stories these markers tell!

Amazing People from Philadelphia's Past
- Founding Fathers and Early Leaders
  - Benjamin Franklin: Inventor and Statesman
  - William Penn and Early Settlers
- Champions of Civil Rights and Equality
Historic Places and Events
- Important Buildings and Landmarks
- Moments That Shaped the Nation
Innovation and Industry
- Technological Breakthroughs
  - ENIAC: The First Electronic Computer
  - America's First Lager: A Brewing Innovation
- Business and Industry Leaders
  - John Wanamaker: Retail Pioneer
  - Hershey's First Candy Store
Sports and Entertainment
Images for kids
See also

Amazing People from Philadelphia's Past

Philadelphia has been home to many incredible individuals who changed the world.

Founding Fathers and Early Leaders

Benjamin Franklin: Inventor and Statesman

Benjamin Franklin, a true Philadelphia legend!

One of the most famous Philadelphians was Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). He was a writer, inventor, scientist, and a key leader in the American Revolution. His marker helps us remember all the amazing things he did for the city and the country.

William Penn and Early Settlers

Hannah Callowhill Penn, an important early leader.

William Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania. His family played a big role in the early days. The marker for Hannah Callowhill Penn, his wife, reminds us of her leadership in the colony. Another marker for Thomas Holme (1624-1695) celebrates the person who helped plan the city of Philadelphia.

Champions of Civil Rights and Equality

Philadelphia has a strong history of fighting for fairness and equal rights for all.

African American Trailblazers

The Free African Society marker.

The Free African Society marker tells the story of one of the first Black organizations in America, founded in 1787. It was a self-help group that supported the African American community. The Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church marker celebrates a church that became a center for freedom and the Underground Railroad.

Many important African American figures are honored:

Frances E.W. Harper (1825-1911) was a writer and activist who fought for civil rights and women's rights.
Octavius V. Catto (1839-1871) was a brave leader who worked for voting rights for Black men after the Civil War.
Paul Robeson (1898-1976) was a famous singer, actor, and civil rights activist.
Marian Anderson was a world-renowned singer who broke down barriers in music.
Sadie T.M. Alexander (1898-1989) was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in economics in the U.S. and the first to practice law in Pennsylvania.

Women Who Made a Difference

Betsy Ross, a symbol of American independence.

Beyond Hannah Penn and Marian Anderson, other women are celebrated:

Betsy Ross (1752-1836) is famous for supposedly sewing the first American flag.
Mother Jones (1830-1930) was a fearless labor organizer who fought for workers' rights.
Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879) was a writer who campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday.
Violet Oakley (1874-1961) was a talented artist known for her murals.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Milestones

The marker for Gay Rights Demonstrations.

Philadelphia has a proud history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The marker for Gay Rights Demonstrations July 4, 1965 - 1969 remembers early protests for equality. Gloria Casarez (1971-2014) was a key leader and the city's first Director of LGBT Affairs. The Giovanni's Room marker celebrates one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores in the country.

Historic Places and Events

Philadelphia is full of places where history happened.

Important Buildings and Landmarks

Fairmount Water Works: A City's Lifeline

The Fairmount Water Works marker.

The Fairmount Water Works was a groundbreaking system built in the early 1800s to provide clean water to the city. It was a marvel of engineering and a beautiful landmark.

Eastern State Penitentiary: A Unique Prison

Eastern State Penitentiary.

Eastern State Penitentiary was a famous prison known for its unique design and approach to punishment. It was one of the first prisons to focus on rehabilitation.

Walnut Street Theatre: America's Oldest

The Walnut Street Theatre.

The Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theater in the English-speaking world. Imagine all the shows and performances that have happened there!

Moments That Shaped the Nation

Battle of Germantown: A Revolutionary War Fight

The Battle of Germantown marker.

The Battle of Germantown marker tells about a major battle during the American Revolution. It was a tough fight between American and British forces.

First Protest Against Slavery: A Bold Stand

The First Protest Against Slavery marker.

The First Protest Against Slavery marker commemorates a brave moment when Quakers in Germantown spoke out against slavery, one of the earliest protests in America.

The MOVE Bombing: A Tragic Event

The marker for The MOVE Bombing remembers a difficult event in Philadelphia's history from 1985. It marks the location of a police action that led to a fire and loss of life. This marker serves as a reminder of the importance of community and understanding.

Innovation and Industry

Philadelphia has always been a hub for new ideas and businesses.

Technological Breakthroughs

ENIAC: The First Electronic Computer

The ENIAC marker.

The ENIAC marker celebrates the creation of one of the world's first electronic digital computers. It was built at the University of Pennsylvania and changed technology forever!

America's First Lager: A Brewing Innovation

America's First Lager.

The marker for America's First Lager highlights Philadelphia's role in the brewing industry. Lager beer, a popular type today, was first brewed here in the United States.

Business and Industry Leaders

John Wanamaker: Retail Pioneer

John Wanamaker, a retail giant.

John Wanamaker (1838-1922) was a retail genius who created one of the first modern department stores. His innovations changed how people shopped.

Hershey's First Candy Store

Milton Hershey, the chocolate king.

Before the famous chocolate factory, Milton Hershey opened his First Candy Store in Philadelphia. This marker reminds us where the sweet empire began!

Sports and Entertainment

Philadelphia loves its sports and has a rich history in entertainment.

Baseball Legends and Stadiums

African American Baseball in Philadelphia

African American Baseball in Philadelphia.

The marker for African American Baseball in Philadelphia celebrates the rich history of Black baseball teams in the city, including the Philadelphia Stars.

Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium

Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium.

Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium was a legendary baseball stadium where many famous games were played. It was home to the Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies for many years.

Connie Mack: Baseball Icon

Connie Mack, a baseball manager.

Connie Mack (1862-1956) was a famous baseball manager who led the Philadelphia Athletics for many decades. He's a true legend of the sport.

Basketball Greats and Venues

Wilt Chamberlain: The Big Dipper

Wilt Chamberlain, a basketball legend.

Wilt Chamberlain (1936-1999) was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His marker is at his high school, Overbrook High, where his amazing career began.

The Palestra: Cathedral of College Basketball

The Palestra, a historic sports venue.

The Palestra is a historic basketball arena at the University of Pennsylvania, known as the "Cathedral of College Basketball" because of all the important games played there.

Music and Performing Arts

American Bandstand: A Dance Revolution

American Bandstand.

American Bandstand was a super popular TV show hosted by Dick Clark that helped launch the careers of many music stars. Its marker is in Philadelphia, where the show started!