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

The House of Samuel Powel

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010

1. The House of Samuel Powel Marker

Inscription. Erected by the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America to mark the house of Samuel Powel (1738–1793) Mayor of Philadelphia from 1775 to 1776 and after the Revolution from 1789 to 1790.

Washington and Lafayette were frequent visitors in this house, now restored as a memorial to Samuel Powel and his wife Elizabeth Willing and maintained by The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.

Location. 39° 56.746′ N, 75° 8.807′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Society Hill. Marker is on South 3rd Street north of Spruce Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 242 South 3rd Street, 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. Powel House (here, next to this marker); Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (here, next to this marker); The Home of Juan de Miralles (a few steps from this marker); The Home of John Penn (a few steps from this marker); Interred in this church yard are the mortal remains of General Thomas Proctor

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(within shouting distance of this marker); John Bankson Palmer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); “Common Sense” (about 300 feet away); Old St. Joseph's National Shrine (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . . Powel House. “As the scion of one of Philadelphia’s wealthiest families, Samuel Powel did what many of the well-educated, well-to-do did: he traveled Europe. Whereas most stayed on the Continent for one or two years, young Powell stayed for seven years. Among those he met on his travels were the Duke of York, the Pope and Voltaire, who urged him to hate ‘priests.’ Powel did not heed Voltaire, for while in England he converted from Quakerism to the Anglican Church.” (Submitted on May 23, 2010.)

The House of Samuel Powel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010

2. The House of Samuel Powel

This marker is the brass tablet between the windows.

Samuel Powel, Mayor of Philadelphia image. Click for full size.

New York Public Library Digital Collection

3. Samuel Powel, Mayor of Philadelphia

List of Visible Markers image. Click for full size.

National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, January 6, 2019

4. List of Visible Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 814 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on August 12, 2019.