Know Your Neighborhood: Franklin Bridge North (& Old City & Callowhill)

Know Your Neighborhood: Street Names, Then & Now

Sassafras Street (1st photo) was one of the original “tree streets” named by William Penn after “the things that spontaneously grow in the country.” The name "Race Street" was originally a nickname given to the street as the street was used for horse racing in the 1800s. The name became official some time in the mid 1850s.

Market St. was originally "High Street". High Street was the principal street in nearly every English town at the time Philadelphia was founded. Wm. Penn planned that markets would be held regularly on the 100-foot wide High Street, which eventually led to the name change in the 1850's. The High Street Market, a headhouse with vendors’ stalls, initially stretched from Front to Second Streets, expanding to Third Street in 1759. Selling a variety of goods, the market, located in the street’s center, became the largest in the American colonies. (2nd photo)

Arch Street in Philadelphia was originally named Mulberry Street. It took its new name from the arched bridge that was built for Mulberry St where it intersected Front Street. (3rd photo is a drawing of the bridge) (4th is from 1807 map of city)

Wood St. (west of 2nd) was called Brewer's Alley, because of Geddes' brewery that once was there.

Bread St. had previously been called Moravian Alley, because of a Moravian Church that once stood on the street.

Callowhill Street is named after Wm. Penn's 2nd wife. Laid down in 1690, it was originally called "New St" as it was the 1st east-west road north of Philadelphia proper.

Willow St. (small street just north of Callowhill) was originally Pegg's Run.

Lawrence St (the street behind St Augustine Church) was once Crown St.

South St. was originally Cedar St.

Locust Street was originally Prune Street.

Cherry Street originally ended at Third, took a slight dogleg south, then became Fetter Lane for the short block until Bread Street. The name was changed in 1897.