Philadelphia, PA - One of Philadelphia's oldest streets is Elfreth's Alley. It is lined with Federal and Georgian-style houses and cobblestone sidewalks from the colonial era. Many of the original houses still stand, and many were once multi-family households. At one time, it was even home to famous people like Dolly Madison and Betsy Ross. Today, the alley is primarily inhabited by couples.
Philadelphia's Oldest Residential Street
Founded in 1706, the street is named after the silversmith Jeremiah Elfreth. It was initially a cart path. Today, it's one of Philadelphia's most popular historical sites. In addition to the street's historical importance, you can visit the Elfreth's Alley Association museum to learn more about the alley's history.
The alley's past is celebrated with events. The Elfreth's Alley Museum House is located in a historic building and houses artifacts from the era. The museum house also offers guided tours of the alley, which tell the area's history. A guide will tell you the history of the alley and the stories behind the artifacts. Tours are not offered daily, so check the website before visiting to learn more about the museum's schedule.
The Alley's historic buildings are a unique part of the city's culture. In addition to preserving the historic buildings, the Association also holds various events annually to promote educational awareness. These events account for about 25 percent of the Association's annual budget. The Alley Association aims to preserve and promote the Alley as a "living museum."
