Race Street is a major east–west street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that runs parallel to Cherry Street. It was one of William Penn's original gridded streets from the 1680s, although named Sassafras Street then.[1] Race and Arch streets are listed by their original names, "Sassafras" and "Mulberry," on the map in Birch's Views of Philadelphia, published in 1800.[2]
History
The name "Race Street" was originally a nickname given to the street, since the street was used for horse racing in Philadelphia in the early 1800s. The name became official some time in the mid-1850s.
Points of interest
Center City
From east in Center City near the Delaware River to west near the Schuylkill River:
- Elfreth's Alley
- National Constitution Center
- Franklin Square
- Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters
- Chinatown, Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania Convention Center
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
- Race Street Friends Meetinghouse
- Friends Select School
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
- Embassy Suites by Hilton[3]
- Franklin Institute
West Philadelphia
Drexel University Campus, from 32nd to 34th Streets:
- Steinbright Career Development Center
- Design Arts Annex
- North Hall
- Tower Hall
- Race Street Hall (rear)
- Calhoun Hall (rear)
Gallery
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Race Street at night -
-
The new Franklin Square station to be opened in 2024, as viewed from Race Street -
National Constitution Center as viewed from Race and 6th Streets
See also
References
- ^ Robert F. Looney, Old Philadelphia in Early Photographs, 1839–1913 (Courier, 2013).[1]
- ^ Alotta, Robert I. (1990). Mermaids, Monasteries, Cherokees, and Custer: The Stories Behind Philadelphia Street Names. Chicago, IL: Bonus Books, Inc. p. 52. ISBN 9780933893900.
- ^ "Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Center City". Embassy Suites by Hilton.