William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Secretary of the Navy’s Office Site
Independence National Historical Park
The rise of the United States as a naval power began during the tenure of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert. In the late 1790s, Stoddert occupied an office at this site.
During the time Stoddert was working here, Congress authorized the purchase of several warships, as well as cannon and naval supplies. The USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) took to the seas in 1798, the same year Stoddert took office.
Erected by Independence National Historical Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.
Location. 39° 56.863′ N, 75° 8.935′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. Marker can be reached from Walnut Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 425 Walnut St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert Morris (1734 - 1806) (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Morris (within shouting distance of this marker); Surgeons’ Hall Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Insurance Company of North America (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Bank of the United States (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Working-Class House in the Capital City (about 300 feet away); James Madison 4th President lived here (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.