Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Elfreth's Alley

Photographed By Jason Voigt, May 22, 2019

1. Elfreth's Alley Marker

Inscription. An exceptional collection of early American structures, built 1720s-1830s, the alley contained the homes and shops of diverse artisans. Later, working-class immigrants lived here and labored in nearby industries. Residents began preservation efforts in 1934.

Erected 2015 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 39° 57.167′ N, 75° 8.575′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. Marker is at the intersection of North 2nd Street and Elfreth's Alley, on the right when traveling north on North 2nd Street. Marker is at the west entrance of Elfreth's Alley. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 N 2nd 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. 139 Elfreth's Alley (here, next to this marker); Elizabeth Drinker (within shouting distance of this marker); Bladen's Court (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel Hopkins (about 300 feet away); Cyrus Bustill

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(about 400 feet away); Smythe Stores (about 500 feet away); Welcome to the Betsy Ross House (about 500 feet away); Betsy Ross (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . .
1. Elfreth's Alley. Official website for the Elfreth's Alley Association, the group that is responsible for restoration, as well as the museum. Features lots of history, original layout for the "nation's oldest residential street", and lots of photographs from past to present. (Submitted on January 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

2. Elfreth's Alley on Wikipedia.
(Submitted on January 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

3. Oldest Street in America - Elfreth's Alley (est. 1702): Philadelphia, PA. Elfreth's Alley (est. 1702) located in Philadelphia, PA is considered the oldest inhabited residential street in the United States, according to Elfreth's Alley Association, a local preservation group (Submitted on November 22, 2020, by HistoricTownsOfAmerica.com - Guy Saladino of Long Beach, New York.)

HistoricTownsOfAmerica.com - Guy Saladino, January 15, 2020

2. Elfreth's Alley Marker

The oldest inhabited residential street in the United States

Photographed By Jason Voigt, May 22, 2019

3. Elfreth's Alley Marker

At the west entrance of Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley during 2019 "Deck the Alley" Christmastime event image. Click for full size.

Photographed By T. Elizabeth Renich, December 7, 2019

4. Elfreth's Alley during 2019 "Deck the Alley" Christmastime event

Elfreth's Alley during 2019 "Deck the Alley" event image. Click for full size.

Photographed By T. Elizabeth Renich, December 7, 2019

5. Elfreth's Alley during 2019 "Deck the Alley" event

Elfreth's Alley Museum, located at 124-126 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By T. Elizabeth Renich, December 8, 2019

6. Elfreth's Alley Museum, located at 124-126

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 2. submitted on November 22, 2020, by HistoricTownsOfAmerica.com - Guy Saladino of Long Beach, New York. 3. submitted on January 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 25, 2020, by T. Elizabeth Renich of Winchester, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.