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Society Hill in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

“Common Sense”

 
 
“Common Sense” Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010
1. “Common Sense” Marker
Inscription. At his print shop here, Robert Bell published the first edition of Thomas Paine’s revolutionary pamphlet in January 1776. Arguing for a republican form of government under a written constitution, it played a key role in rallying American support for independence.
 
Erected 1993 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1776.
 
Location. 39° 56.79′ N, 75° 8.787′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Society Hill. Marker is at the intersection of South 3rd Street and Thomas Paine Place, on the left when traveling north on South 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 12 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Interred in this church yard are the mortal remains of General Thomas Proctor (within shouting distance of this marker); John Bankson Palmer (within shouting distance of this marker); Judge William Lewis (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); House Where Lived in 1791 Alexander Hamilton
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(within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Benjamin Rush House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Home of Juan de Miralles (within shouting distance of this marker); The Home of John Penn (within shouting distance of this marker); Row Houses in the Capital City (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Powel House (about 300 feet away); Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (about 300 feet away); The House of Samuel Powel (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
 
Also see . . .
1. Common Sense. “ ‘Common Sense’ was first published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January of 1776 and is regarded by many as the most important piece of writing of the American Revolution. Although dissent among the colonists was growing over the British government’s newly levied taxes and customs duties and the bloody battle at Concord, there was still talk of reconciliation among the colonists. However, Paine’s convincing arguments against the monarchy and British domination
“Common Sense” Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010
2. “Common Sense” Marker
spread like wildfire throughout the colonies and turned the public tide toward independence. General George Washington wrote to a friend in Massachusetts: ‘I find that “Common Sense” is working a powerful change there in the minds of many men. Few pamphlets have had so dramatic an effect on political events’.” (Submitted on June 25, 2010.) 

2. Common Sense - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.) 

3. Thomas Paine at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
 
Location of Print Shop and “Common Sense” Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010
3. Location of Print Shop and “Common Sense” Marker
Print shop is now a parking lot.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,674 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

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Mar. 19, 2024