Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
4th & Market
On this block in 1860
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 13, 2023
This image from 1860 looks west on the south side of the 400 block of Market Street. This view shows the dominance of businesses offering clothing and accessories on this block including White Hall Clothing, George B. Bains Trunks, Valises & Bags, Caldwell & Fry Hosiery & Gloves, S. Ettinger & Ullman Wholesale Clothing.
During the mid-1800s, this section of the city became less popular as a residential area and more popular for industry and businesses, as Philadelphia's expanding population moved west towards Broad Street.
In 1860
President: James Buchanan (D)
Mayor: Alexander Henry (R)
Philadelphia population: 565,529
Money matters
Farm laborer's monthly wage: $11.08
Carpenter's daily wage: $1.75
Medical treatment for snakebite: $1.00
Accordion: 25˘
Bacon: 12˘/lb
Butter: 1˘/lb
Coffee: 13˘/lb
Brown sugar: 50˘/lb
Events
March 9—The first Japanese ambassador arrived in San Francisco en route to Washington, D.C.
April 14—The first Pony Express rider arrived in San Francisco, California with mail originating in St. Joseph, Missouri.
May 18—Abraham Lincoln was selected as the U.S. presidential candidate for the Republican Party.
June 23—The U.S. Secret Service was created to arrest counterfeiters and protect the president.
September 20—Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) became the first British royalty to visit the U.S.
October 31—Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, was born.
December 1—Charles Dickens published the first installment of Great Expectations in his magazine All the Year Round.
December 20—South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union.
Erected 2017 by Center City District, Philadelphia; Ride! Philadelphia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Ride! Philadelphia series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1860.
Location. 39° 57.015′ N, 75° 8.827′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street (County Road 2004) and South 4th Street, on the right when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 335 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 13, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.