Pennsport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pennsport
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Drawing of the USS Philadelphia, built in Joshua Humphreys' shipyard in Pennsport, 1799.
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Philadelphia |
| City | Philadelphia |
| ZIP Code |
19147, 19148
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| Area code(s) | Area codes 215, 267, and 445 |
Pennsport is a lively neighborhood in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's known for its strong community spirit and rich history.
Many people in Pennsport are Irish American. Their families came from Ireland a long time ago. These families often belong to social groups called "clubs." These clubs are mostly found along 2nd Street, which locals call "Two Street." Every year, these clubs spend months getting ready for the famous Mummers Parade. This big parade happens on New Year's Day in Philadelphia. They create amazing costumes, music, and performances.
Years ago, there was an idea to build casinos along the waterfront in Pennsport. But many people who lived there didn't want casinos. They hoped for new businesses that would bring better jobs to the area. The plan for a casino called Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia never happened.
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Where is Pennsport Located?
Pennsport is located right next to the Delaware River on its east side. To the north, you'll find the Queen Village neighborhood. To the south is Whitman, and to the west is Dickinson Square West. The main streets that mark its borders are Washington Avenue to the north, Snyder Avenue to the south, and Fourth Street to the west.
Who Lives in Pennsport?
Pennsport is a diverse neighborhood. About 70% of the people living here are white. Around 17% are African American, 8% are Asian American, and 5% are Hispanic and Latino American. A large part of the population, about 40%, is under 18 years old.
A Look at Pennsport's History
Pennsport was once part of a larger area called Moyamensing Township. Later, much of it became part of the Southwark District. In 1854, Philadelphia became one big city, and Pennsport was included in its First Ward.
The Washington Avenue Immigration Station
From 1873 to 1915, the Washington Avenue Immigration Station was a busy place. It was located at Pier 53 on the Delaware River. This station was where many immigrants arrived and were processed when they came to America.
Benjamin Franklin's Battery
In 1748, during a war called King George's War, a young Benjamin Franklin helped build a defense here. It was called the "Association Battery" or "Grand Battery." These were earth walls with cannons to protect the city from attacks by sea.
The first United States naval yard began in the 1770s. It was a private shipyard owned by Joshua Humphreys, a famous shipbuilder. He designed the first six frigates for the United States Navy. The frigate USS Philadelphia was also built here.
The shipyard officially became a U.S. Navy yard in 1801. It was very active until 1875, when it moved to League Island. During World War II, the shipyard was incredibly busy. About 40,000 people worked there around the clock to build and repair ships for the war effort.
The shipyard closed in 1991. The land, nearly 1000 acres, was given to the City of Philadelphia. Today, this area is known as The Navy Yard. It has been redeveloped for many businesses and manufacturing companies. Some shipbuilding still happens there.
Historic Buildings in Pennsport
Pennsport also has other important historic buildings. Furness High School and the old Abigail Vare School are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic synagogue, Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel, is also a notable landmark.
Education in Pennsport
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The School District of Philadelphia runs the public schools in Pennsport.
Vare-Washington School teaches students from kindergarten through 8th grade. This school used to be called Abigail Vare School. In 2013, it moved into the building that was once the Washington School.
Older students in Pennsport attend Furness High School.
Public Libraries
The Free Library of Philadelphia has a branch nearby called the Whitman Branch. It is located in Whitman and serves the Pennsport community.
Famous People from Pennsport
- Rob McElhenney – An actor and the creator of the TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
- Edward "Babe" Heffron – A brave paratrooper who fought in World War II. He was part of the 101st Airborne Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He also helped free prisoners from a concentration camp. He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service.
- William "Wild Bill" Guarnere – Another courageous soldier from World War II. He was also in the 101st Airborne Division. The TV miniseries Band of Brothers (2001) was based on his unit's story. He later wrote a book about his experiences with his friend Edward Heffron.
There are bronze statues of William “Wild Bill” Guarnere and Edward “Babe” Heffron in a park at 2nd and Reed Streets. The statues show them as young men, just before they left Pennsport to fight in Europe during World War II.
Images for kids
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Grand Battery Historical Marker, U.S. Coast Guard Station, Philadelphia
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Washington Avenue Immigration Station Historical Marker, 1 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia
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