Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing

William Penn first traveled up the Delaware River in 1682 on a ship called "Welcome", which docked near a tidewater basin referred to as "The Dock". His vision for the colony that he wanted to create was a place where people of all different religious backgrounds would be able to worship and pray whenever they pleased. When Penn had first arrived, there were only a small number of people living there, including some Swedes, Indians, Dutch, and landowners who were part of what he named his "holy experiment". On this piece of land he had also planned on creating a "tree lined promenade" that would be planted in memory of his dreams as well as the accomplishments that he made. After about 300 years, this dream finally became a reality. In 1967, the city transformed the area into a recreation park alongside the river. They also made walkways, created and amphitheater as well as a World Sculpture Garden, and planted various types of trees.

The Ben Franklin Bridge

There are many different, interesting historical places on the strip of land known as "Penn's Landing", the first being the Ben Franklin Bridge. Along with commercial traffic, there was also a great deal of ferries crossing the Delaware River toward different sections of New Jersey. However, traveling by ferry was inevitably deemed impossible when the Ben Franklin Bridge (in honor of Ben Franklin) was built in the year 1926. It was designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret who painted the entire bridge what was referred to as an "electric blue" color. Some years later, they added a computer-controlled lighting system that would blink on and off very quickly as each train passed by. It was made by the workers of the architectural firm of "Venturi, Scott Brown, and Associates". This bridge is very complex and beautiful, especially at night when the lights are in full glow.

Penn Treaty Park

Long before the Penn Treaty Park had been built, and historic event happened in 1682 between William Penn and the Native Americans. They Meet at this spot located today on North Delaware Avenue along the Delaware River to agree over a treaty of friendship that has been looked back upon in the world as a "universal symbol of religious and civil liberties". Many famous writers have mentioned this legendary spot in their work along with drawings of it being used to promote commercial interest in the emerging land. A large elm tree that once stood at this spot is usually featured in the painting, depicting where Penn and the Native Americans had meet and is presented as a living monument to the event.
In 1810 the famous tree collapsed, and with the public worried that this place would be forgotten, they collected the remaining wood left over from the storm and used it to build reelects reflecting the sight. After 83 years, in 1893 a permanent park was established to recognize the sight. This park is till a happy part of the Native American history and is seen by their people as a "peaceful even along the river." Today this public park is a great place to visit for beautiful views of the Delaware River.

Ride the Ducks Boat Tour

Looking for a great way to tour historical places in Philadelphia like Penns Landing? Ride the Ducks is a fun and interesting way of sightseeing that combines history, musics and entertainment all in one. This one of a kind tour bus is made from an actual boat the drive you through the historical streets of Philadelphia, and then leads you onto the Delaware River off Penns Landing for a river tour. The rides unique experience is the best way to view all of Philadelphia and is perfect for all ages. This guided tour by your very own Boat Captain takes you around some of the best spots in the city including Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross' House and South Street all while telling fun facts and stories of the past and present of Philadelphia. If you're just visiting for the day or, or even the week, make sure to hop aboard the Ride the Ducks boat for an exciting and Historical view of the city of Philadelphia.

Blog Created By Lauren Gardner and Casey Stanert and Group 1 Historical Philadelphia
Pictures taken by Lauren Gardner and Casey Stanert

APA citations:

Independence Hall Association (1995). Penn's Landing. Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/tour/tour_landing.htm

Keyser, S. Charles. Penn's Treaty with the Indians. Philadelphia: David McKay (1882). Retrieved from http://www.penntreatymuseum.org

Philadelphia Ride the Ducks (2006). Experience the Fun. Retrieved from http://www.phillyducks.com