National Register of Historic Places listings in Southwest Philadelphia facts for kids

Where Southwest Philadelphia is located in Philadelphia

Southwest Philadelphia is a part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's home to many important places that have been officially recognized for their history. These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a national list of buildings, sites, and objects that are super important to American history.

This list helps protect these places so people can learn about them for many years to come. In all of Philadelphia, there are 562 places on this list. Some of these are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. Southwest Philadelphia has 12 of these historic places, and 2 of them are National Historic Landmarks!

Exploring Historic Places in Southwest Philadelphia

Southwest Philadelphia has a cool collection of historic sites. These places include old schools, a famous garden, and a historic fort. Each one tells a part of the area's past.

Historic Schools

Many schools in Southwest Philadelphia are on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings are important because of their architecture and the role they played in educating generations of students.

• John Bartram High School: This school building has been a part of the community for a long time. It's located at 67th and Elmwood Streets.
• Joseph W. Catharine School: You can find this historic school at 6600 Chester Avenue. It's another example of the area's educational history.
• S. Weir Mitchell School: This school is located at 56th and Kingsessing Street. It's named after a famous doctor and writer.
• John M. Patterson School: Situated at 7001 Buist Avenue, this school building is also recognized for its historical value.
• Thomas Buchanan Read School: This school is at 78th Street and Buist Avenue. It's named after a poet and artist.
• Anna Howard Shaw Junior High School: Located at 5401 Warrington Street, this school honors a leader in the women's suffrage movement.
• William J. Tilden Junior High School: You can find this historic junior high at 66th Street and Elmwood Avenue.
• George Wolf School: This school, at 8100 Lyons Avenue, is another important part of Southwest Philadelphia's history.

Bartram's Garden: A Living Museum

One of the most famous historic places in Southwest Philadelphia is Bartram's Garden. It's also known as the John Bartram House. This garden is a National Historic Landmark, which means it's one of the most important historic sites in the entire country.

• John Bartram House: Located at 54th Street and Eastwick Avenue, this is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. It was created by John Bartram, a famous American botanist. He collected plants from all over and studied them here. Today, it's a beautiful place to visit and learn about plants and history.

Fort Mifflin: A Revolutionary War Hero

Another incredible National Historic Landmark in Southwest Philadelphia is Fort Mifflin. This fort played a huge role in American history, especially during the American Revolutionary War.

• Fort Mifflin: Found at Fort Mifflin and Hog Island Roads, this fort bravely defended Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. It held off British forces for many days, allowing the American army to escape and regroup. It's a powerful reminder of the fight for independence.
• Fort Mifflin Hospital: Also located near Fort Mifflin, this building was part of the fort's operations. It served as a hospital, caring for soldiers during the war.

Regent-Rennoc Court: Historic Homes

Not all historic places are schools or forts. Some are residential areas that show how people lived in the past.

• Regent-Rennoc Court: This area includes homes on the 5100 block of Regent Street and 1311–1327 South 52nd Street. It's recognized for its unique architecture and how it represents a type of housing from its time.

These historic sites help us understand the rich past of Southwest Philadelphia and the United States.

Images for kids

• 

  John Bartram High School

• 

  John Bartram House

• 

  Joseph W. Catharine School

• 

  Fort Mifflin

• 

  Fort Mifflin Hospital

• 

  S. Weir Mitchell School

• 

  John M. Patterson School

• 

  Thomas Buchanan Read School

• 

  Regent-Rennoc Court

• 

  Anna Howard Shaw Junior High School

• 

  William J. Tilden Junior High School

• 

  George Wolf School