Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Franklin Court
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
1. Franklin Court Marker
I am got into my niche, after being kept out of it 24 years by foreign employments. 'Tis a very good house that I built so very long ago to retire into ....
Signature - Benj Franklin 1786
By building his home here, Benjamin Franklin not only confirmed his fondness for city life, he demonstrated his ingenuity in creating a liveable urban environment. This section of the city was busy, noisy, and smelly, yet the view from the windows of Franklin's house included grassy plots, gardens, and walkways. When his nation finally allowed him to "retire," Franklin seemed content here in Franklin Court.
By investigating the garden of today's Franklin Court, you can sense the isolation into which Franklin could retreat. By visiting the Museum below ground and the brick Market Street Houses you become acquainted with the activity swirling about him, inviting his involvement whenever he became bored with solitude.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1786.
Location. 39° 56.958′ N, 75° 8.8′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The History of Franklin Court (here, next to this marker); Historic Site in Journalism (here, next to this marker); Franklin Privy Pit (a few steps from this marker); Remnant of Brick Flooring (a few steps from this marker); Fragment of Stone Foundation Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); In 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Where is Benjamin Franklin's House? (within shouting distance of this marker); Franklin's Neighborhood (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
2. Franklin Court Diagram
1. Franklin's House
The painted steel frame marks the site of Benjamin Franklin's "good house." Viewing ports allow you to see surviving portions of the foundation. After Franklin's death in 1790, his elegant house was rented. Then in 1812, his grandchildren demolished it to make room for new construction.
2. Museum Entrance
These doors lead to the underground Franklin Court Museum containing a theater and exhibits portraying Franklin's achievements. On display are Franklin's desk and several of his inventions.
3. Bache's Printing Office
A second steel frame marks the probable site of the printing office and type foundry of Benjamin Franklin Bache, Franklin's grandson.
4. Archway
A brick archway used by Franklin leads to Market Street
5. Aurora Newspaper Office
Here was the subscription office of Benjamin Franklin Bache's newspaper the Aurora, noted for its fiery political editorials which often attacked President Washington.
6. Printing Office
Both Franklin and his grandson Benjamin Franklin Bache were printers when they were young. This building, although never owned by Franklin, houses an 18th century printing demonstration.
7. "Fragments of Franklin Court"
These exhibits display archeological artifacts and architectural details associated with Franklin Court.
8. B. Free Franklin Post Office
Postmaster-General was one of the many public offices held by Franklin. Today the U.S. Postal Service operates this branch office where you can have mail hand cancelled with a postmark reading, "b. Free Franklin."
9. Book Store
Books about Franklin and Franklin Court are featured here.
The painted steel frame marks the site of Benjamin Franklin's "good house." Viewing ports allow you to see surviving portions of the foundation. After Franklin's death in 1790, his elegant house was rented. Then in 1812, his grandchildren demolished it to make room for new construction.
2. Museum Entrance
These doors lead to the underground Franklin Court Museum containing a theater and exhibits portraying Franklin's achievements. On display are Franklin's desk and several of his inventions.
3. Bache's Printing Office
A second steel frame marks the probable site of the printing office and type foundry of Benjamin Franklin Bache, Franklin's grandson.
4. Archway
A brick archway used by Franklin leads to Market Street
5. Aurora Newspaper Office
Here was the subscription office of Benjamin Franklin Bache's newspaper the Aurora, noted for its fiery political editorials which often attacked President Washington.
6. Printing Office
Both Franklin and his grandson Benjamin Franklin Bache were printers when they were young. This building, although never owned by Franklin, houses an 18th century printing demonstration.
7. "Fragments of Franklin Court"
These exhibits display archeological artifacts and architectural details associated with Franklin Court.
8. B. Free Franklin Post Office
Postmaster-General was one of the many public offices held by Franklin. Today the U.S. Postal Service operates this branch office where you can have mail hand cancelled with a postmark reading, "b. Free Franklin."
9. Book Store
Books about Franklin and Franklin Court are featured here.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 975 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
