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PHILADELPHIA is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America.
In addition to being a landmark city in American history, Philadelphia also has over 300 years of major British, Greek, and French influences, from museums to guided tours.
Elfreth’s Alley, also known as the United States’ oldest continuous residential street, dates back to 1703.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Elfreth’s Alley is located in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia.
The famous street, named after 18th-century blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth, has structures built between the early 1700s and 1836.
While the strip is filled mainly with privately owned residences, Elfreth’s Alley is famously known for its museum.
Elfreth’s Alley Museum preserved the history of the dressmakers, shoemakers, and other artisans who lived in one of the homes on the road.
The museum attracts over 250,000 visitors a year at just $3 per adult, with proceeds going to the preservation of the old street.
In addition to their museum, visitors and residents alike love visiting Elfreth’s Alley during the holiday season.
One of the biggest holidays celebrated on the street is Fete Day, which dates back to 1934 and is celebrated in June.
During the celebration, residents of Elfreth’s Alley open their homes to visitors for a glimpse of their historic abodes.
As guests travel in and out of their homes, sightseers are greeted with entertainment, food vendors, historians dressed in 18th-century clothing, and artisan crafters.
Residents also partake in trick-or-treating during the Halloween season.
Every December, Elfreth’s Alley holds their yearly Deck the Alley.
The holiday celebration attracts thousands of visitors to see the decorations and indulge in caroling.
All about Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia
Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest streets in the nation. The cobblestone pavement with historical homes date back to 300 years.
- Elfreth’s Alley dates back to 1703 and was named after an 18th-century blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth
- The street is built of 32 houses
- One of the houses was turned into a museum that highlights the craft of dressmakers, shoemakers, and other artisans who lived in those homes
- Every year, the residents of Elfreth’s Alley open their historic homes to the public for their Fete Day celebration
- Guests are welcomed with music, food vendors, and residents dressed in old-fashioned clothing
- The street also celebrates the holiday season with their Christmas-themed celebration Deck the Alley
EUROPEAN PRIDE
In addition to Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia is home to many attractions with historical ties to Europe.
The town’s City Hall is famous and has a strong French influence as the building was designed in the Second-Empire French Renaissance Revival style.
Additionally, the city’s most famous landmark, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, was inspired by Greek architecture.
The museum is also famous for its steps, which have been immortalized due to the Rocky film that saw the fictional character climb the 72 stone steps, known as the “Rocky Steps.”
Now, the city has a bronze sculpture of the movie character.
Philadelphia still has British influence, too, as the city was occupied during the American Revolution.
British forces seized the city in the fall of 1777 and occupied it for nine months, using Independence Hall for American prisoners of war.
The city is also famously known for its Philly cheesesteak, which was believed to have been invented in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri.
The famous sandwich consists of beef grilled on a griddle topped with provolone cheese, onions, and peppers inside an Italian roll.
The city has adapted its own famous version by adding Cheez Whiz instead of provolone.
