Row Houses in the Capital City

Row Houses in the Capital City. Independence National Historical Park.

The regularity of Philadelphia is so great, the streets are so much like each other and the houses so nearly the same size (being built of one coloured brick) that I do not think there is anything else worthy of remark about it. , David Montagu Erskine, 1799

, When Philadelphia was the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800, brick houses lined many streets, and at first glance looked similar. When you examine architectural details, however, apparent repetition yields to diversity., The design of windows, doors, dormers, and cornices varied from house to house, often reflecting the social status of the owners as well as the period of construction., On this block the National Park Service has restored or recreated several row houses built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As you walk up this street, sample the variety of architectural styles by comparing doors, windows, and other details., [Captions:] , Todd House , 343 Walnut Street, Middle-class house built in the 1770s., Kidd House , 325 Walnut Street, Early 19th-century house reflecting classical influence., Bishop White House , 309 Walnut Street, Late 18th-century residence of an affluent Philadelphian. .