Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Backyard in the Capital City
Independence National Historical Park
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
1. A Backyard in the Capital City Marker
“Behind each house is a little court or garden, where usually are the necessaries … the kitchen, stable, etc. are all placed in buildings at the side or behind …”
An accurate portrait of home life in 18th-century Philadelphia would have to describe the backyard. For a wealthy few it could be a lush garden retreat, while for those of modest means it was the scene of practical household activities.
Gardens provided fresh vegetables, and herbs for medicines. Flowers enlivened walkways and window boxes. Rainwater from the roofs ran down spouts into large wooden barrels, later to be poured into tubs for washing clothes. A stable held horses, cows, carriages. And, of course, the “necessary,” or outhouse, stood close enough to the house for winter, and not too close for summer.
In the backyard many activities took place in a small space, illustrating the intensity of development here in the late 1700s when Philadelphia was the capital city of the United States.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 56.859′ N, 75° 8.82′ W.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Dock Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); A Changing Neighborhood (within shouting distance of this marker); 18th Century Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Row Houses in the Capital City (within shouting distance of this marker); “Evangeline” (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Benjamin Rush House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Carpenters' Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Quaker School Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a picture showing a woman and child feeding chickens in their backyard.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
2. A Backyard in the Capital City Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
3. A Backyard in the Capital City Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
