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

Black Powder Magazine

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

1. Black Powder Magazine Marker

Inscription. From 1776 to 1788, Franklin square housed Philadelphia's black powder magazine, or storage place, for the city's ammunition that was used. It was of the utmost importance that the powder be away from the city's residents in the event of an explosion. The status of the magazine remains unclear during the nine-month period of British occupation (1777-1778). After the occupation, it was reported that the magazine could hold up to 800 casks of gunpowder. Eventually, the magazine was moved and the structure was demolished some time after 1811. The rubble found in a 1975 excavation is significant as it is most likely the only remaining Revolutionary War military structure in Center City Philadelphia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location. 39° 57.363′ N, 75° 9.047′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. It can be reached from North Franklin Street just north of North 7th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal

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address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of Carousel Making in Philadelphia (a few steps from this marker); History of the German Reformed Church Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Burial Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Franklin Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinatown / Tai Chi (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of Franklin Square (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Franklin Square (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers

Black Powder Magazine Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.

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

2. Black Powder Magazine Marker [Reverse]

in Philadelphia.

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

3. Black Powder Magazine Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 455 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.