East Germantown in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Christopher Sower

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011

1. Christopher Sower Marker

Inscription. 1738 1938
In commemoration of the
two hundredth anniversary
of the founding of the Printing
and Publishing House of
Christopher Sower
(1683 – 1758)
at 5255-5263 Germantown Ave. nearly
opposite
----- • -----
There, he and his son of the same name
issued Almanacs, Newspapers and many
English and German Books, including the
first American editions of the Bible
in any European Tongue, 1743, 1763, 1776
---------------
On this site, Jacob Bay, aided by Chris-
topher Sower II, operated the first per-
manent American type foundry, 1772-1783.
---------------
Erected May 14, 1938 by the
Germantown Historical Society

Erected 1938 by Germantown Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1899.

Location. 40° 1.918′ N, 75° 10.121′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in East Germantown. Marker is at the intersection of Germantown Avenue and W Queen Lane, on the left when traveling north on Germantown Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5300 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. Lutheran Publication Society (here, next to this marker); Christopher Saur (a few steps from this marker); Grumblethorpe (within shouting distance of this marker); Owen Wister (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Louisa May Alcott (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Germantown White House (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Germantown White House (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named The Germantown White House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . . Christopher Sower House Site. Historic Germantown website. (Submitted on September 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Markers at the Lutheran Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011

2. Markers at the Lutheran Church

Two markers are found at this location. The Christopher Sower marker is the lower of the two.

Marker on Germantoen Ave. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011

3. Marker on Germantoen Ave.

The Christopher Sower marker can be seen on the corner of the building.

Site of the Christopher Sower House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 3, 2011

4. Site of the Christopher Sower House

During the Revolutionary War, Christopher Sower printed an English newpaper for the British when they occupied Philadelphia. He later had his property seized by the American government for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the State.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 729 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.