Logan Square in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Archeology / Great Central Sanitary Fair
Parkway Museums District
Archeology
2010
In 2010, archeologists excavated this eastern portion of Logan Square, now called Sister Cities Park, in preparation for its renovation. In doing so, approximately 60 remnants of graves were uncovered, thought to be remnants from the early 19th century when the public square, then known as Northwest Square, served as a Potter’s Field and graveyard for the German Reformed Church. While the use of the square as a burial ground was discontinued in 1812, it served as a public gallows until 1823. Its name was changed two years later to Logan Square in honor of James Logan, who, in 1699 at the age of 25, arrived in Philadelphia as William Penn’s secretary.
[Captions:]
The majority of graves were placed in tightly packed rows that lay parallel to 18th Street.
James Logan, an early Mayor of Philadelphia and acting Governor of Pennsylvania from 1736 - 1738.
Logan Square (Potter's Field), from Vine Street looking towards Market Street in 1836.
"East Side of Logan Square" by James Queen, circa 1847, shows the residences in the nearby vicinity of the Square.
Great Central Sanitary Fair
1864
For three weeks in the summer of 1864, Logan Square served as the grounds for the United States Sanitary Commission's Great Central Fair. The Commission erected a group of temporary structures that housed exhibitions, shows, shops, and a restaurant. All sales and proceeds from the Fair were used to provide care and supplies to Union soldiers during the Civil War and was the precursor to the American Red Cross. Philadelphia's Fair was the most profitable of the many Sanitary Fairs held around the country, raising over one million dollars, and was the only Fair attended by President Lincoln. The area currently occupied by Sister Cities Park was coincidentally the "Childrens Play Ground" during the Fair.
[Captions:]
Admission ticket for Philadelphia's Great Central Sanitary Fair
The main exhibition hall that ran from east to west was 540 feet long, 60 feet wide, and 50 feet tall and the flag at its center rose 216 feet high.
Erected by Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's Park System; Center City District.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2010.
Location. 39° 57.475′
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2022
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sister Cities (a few steps from this marker); Don Diego de Gardoqui / Thomas FitzSimons (a few steps from this marker); Thomas FitzSimons (a few steps from this marker); Diego de Gardoqui (within shouting distance of this marker); Wissahickon Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (within shouting distance of this marker); Sister Cities Park (within shouting distance of this marker); AMOR (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 13, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.