Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square - was one of William Penn's original five squares. Rittenhouse Square was referred to as Southwest Square until 1825, when it was named for the astronomer-clockmaker David Rittenhouse (1732-96).
What Rittenhouse Squares Historic Past
One of many amazing Philadelphians of the 18th century, he was a descendant of William Rittenhouse. Who built America's first paper mill in Germantown, PA.
David Rittenhouse represented the General Assembly and the State Constitutional Convention at various times, was president of the Council of Safety, president of the American Philosophical Society, and the very first director of the United States Mint. He was also a professor of astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania and the inventor of the collimating telescope.
From the earliest house facing the Square in 1840, Rittenhouse Square had always represented an upscale location.
In 1913, architect Paul Crethelped designed the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the design for the Square's entrances, the central plaza with stone railings, the pool, and the fountain. Residing close to or on the Square has become a sign of mark prestige.
Most of the private homes are gone for good; even today, it is considered prestigious to live in one of Rittenhouse Square's numerous high-rise Condominiums.
Several of the historic houses are still standing in the area. However, many have been transformed into apartments and Brownstone-style Condos.
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly
