William Penn Annex West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Philadelphia City Hall

National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 2014

1. National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Marker

Inscription.
Since its completion 30 years after construction began in 1871, City Hall has dominated the center city Philadelphia skyline. At Penn Square, the building is still the world’s tallest masonry load bearing structure, made of 88 million bricks and thousands of tons of stone. City Hall is the nation’s most elaborate seat of municipal government. It is the finest American example of the French Second Empire style, widely used in late 19th century public buildings.

Started 1871
Completed 1901
Dedicated May 22, 2006

Erected 2006 by American Society of Civil Engineers.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 39° 57.146′ N, 75° 9.816′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex West. Marker can be reached from Germantown Avenue. The marker is within the center courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. A different marker also named Philadelphia City Hall (here, next to this marker); The Great World War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Center Square (here, next to this marker); Declaration of Independence Signators (here, next to this marker); This Place Is At The Heart Of Philadelphia (a few steps from this marker); Philadelphia Municipal Water System (a few steps from this marker); Gathering for Centuries (a few steps from this marker); The Site of This City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

More about this marker. The marker is one of many in and around Philadelphia City Hall.

Also see . . . Philadelphia City Hall. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Philadelphia City Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 2014

2. Philadelphia City Hall

Thirty years in the making.

National Historic Landmark plaque for City Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2022

3. National Historic Landmark plaque for City Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 418 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 28, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on March 1, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.