Olde Kensington in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Kensington Riots of 1844
The first of two 1844 riots in Philadelphia took place May 6-8 and was part of a wave of violence in American cities sparked by Protestant nativists' attacks on Irish Catholic immigrants. The clashes caused dozens of deaths and injuries and destroyed more than 30 buildings. Local authorities' failure to maintain order led to such reforms as municipal consolidation in 1854, a unified police force, and the Catholic diocese's first parochial schools.
Erected 2026 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Law Enforcement • Political Subdivisions • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 39° 58.437′ N, 75° 8.386′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Olde Kensington. It is at the intersection of North American Street and West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north on North American Street. Touch for map.
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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: The Salvation Army (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Street Goes Green! (approx. Ό mile away); Persistence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); We Are Universal (approx. 0.4 miles away); John N. Neumann (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. John Neumann (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pope John Paul II (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Additional keywords. domestic terrorism
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
