A Visual Guide to Philadelphia Landmarks (Part 2)
Boathouse Row: CC photo credit:
Boathouse Row: A historic site located on the east bank of the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row is made up of a row of 15 boathouses housing social and rowing clubs and their racing shells. At night, its beautiful lights make for a romantic backdrop for strolling. Each of the boathouses has its own history, and each is at least 100 years old. Boathouse Row has tremendous significance in the rowing community of the United States. It is the sight of several notable regattas, including the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the Navy Day Regatta, the Independence Day Regatta, and the Head of the Schuylkill.
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall: Set like a gem in the middle of Center City, City Hall is a gorgeous historical building created in the Second Empire style. Made of limestone, granite, and marble, it was the tallest habitable building in the world from 1894 to 1908. Its 548 feet of height include a statue of William Penn at the very top. It remained the tallest building in Philadelphia by means of a gentlemen’s agreement until 1986, when construction of One Liberty Place was completed. It has 700 rooms, and is still the world’s largest municipal building. It is not only a National Historic Landmark, but a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark as well.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square: The name Rittenhouse Square refers both to the square, which is one of the most beautiful public spaces in the United States, as well as the surrounding area. The Square was one of the original squares around which Philadelphia was built, as planned by William Penn. From Wikipedia: “Its boundaries are 18th Street to the East, Walnut St. to the north, Rittenhouse Square West (a north-south boundary street), and Rittenhouse Square South (an east-west boundary street), making the park approximately two short blocks on each side.” It was originally named Southwest Square, but was renamed to honor David Rittenhouse, a Revolutionary War-era clockmaker and patriot. It is full of lush green lawns and seating for the people who flock to it at lunchtime.
The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier: This war memorial pays homage to the thousands of soldiers who perished during the American Revolutionary War, many of whom were interred in mass graves in the square. It consists of a bronze statue of George Washington and an eternal flame, along with several inscriptions. It is unknown how many bodies are buried beneath the square, and whether they were colonists or British soldiers. From time to time construction in the area will turn up new remains.
