Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Penn's Plan

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

1. Penn's Plan Marker

Inscription.
William Penn learned many lessons in life. Living in 17th century England taught him that open space offered breathing places for great cities and also slowed the spread of fire.

He applied what he had learned to Philadelphia. He insisted on a site that was "navigable, high, dry, and healthy." He wanted "uniform" streets with "houses built in a line." He envisioned "gardens, orchards, or fields" around the houses. Penn wanted "a green country town which will never be burnt, and always be wholesome."

Penn's city plan, drawn up by surveyor Thomas Holme included five public squares, the center one for "houses for Publick affairs" and the others as green oases carefully placed throughout the developing city.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 39° 56.856′ N, 75° 9.084′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West. Marker can be reached from Walnut and 6th Streets. Marker is in Washington Square on the right heading to the center of the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington Square (here, next to this marker); Bicentennial Moon Tree

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(a few steps from this marker); In Memory of the Many American Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Washington Square (a few steps from this marker); Tom Foglietta (within shouting distance of this marker); The Capital City (within shouting distance of this marker); A Fashionable Promenade (within shouting distance of this marker); Walnut Street Prison (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Washington Square markers.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 18, 2022

2. Penn's Plan Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,117 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 9, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.