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

History of the German Reformed Church Burial Ground

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

1. History of the German Reformed Church Burial Ground Marker

Inscription. The land in front of you was the site of the original burial ground of the German Reformed Church, now Old First Reformed Church, United Church of Christ (see map on reverse for boundaries). The church received this land from a grant by Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, in 1741 and over 3,100 congregants were interred here between 1741 and 1799. The City of Philadelphia contested this grant for decades, contending that William Penn designed the entire Northeast Square for public use. In 1836, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Thomas Penn's grant and the land was returned to its original use as common space for the citizens of Philadelphia. Interestingly, one of the people buried here was Philip Phile, the composer of "The President's March," which was the music for "Hail, Columbia," the nation's first anthem, as well as the music for the inauguration of George Washington in 1789. Old First Reformed Church continues as an active congregation at 4th & Race Streets.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Government & Politics

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• Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1741.

Location. 39° 57.355′ N, 75° 9.004′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. It can be reached from North 6th Street (U.S. 30) south of Interstate 676, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal 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: Historic Burial Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Carousel Making in Philadelphia (within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Franklin Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Powder Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Franklin Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Chinatown / Tai Chi (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Franklin Square (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

History of the German Reformed Church Burial Ground Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.

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

2. History of the German Reformed Church Burial Ground Marker [Reverse]

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

3. History of the German Reformed Church Burial Ground 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 930 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.