PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future

Richmond, often referred to as Port Richmond, is a neighborhood in the Bridesburg/Kensington/Richmond area of Philadelphia. The neighborhood is bounded by Castor Avenue on the north, Lehigh Avenue on the south, I-95 and the Delaware River to the east, and the railroad along Trenton Avenue to the west. Richmond's location along the Delaware River made it the perfect place for ships to refuel and resupply. Most of Richmond’s industry during 1800's was in coal distribution. Military vessels as well as transportation ships would refuel in Richmond as they passed the neighborhood along the Delaware River. The presence of the Reading Railroad, which runs through the neighborhood, also made the process of transporting coal even easier. The area was a vital stop for most ships up until the end of World War I, when modern oil burning vessels made coal obsolete. While the coal industry in Richmond toppled, the population remained relatively stable and is even still considered one of the best manufacturing area's in the nation. At the beginning of the 20th century, Richmond was largely a working class neighborhood, with many of its residents simply walking to their places of work. A large influx of Polish immigrants brought new and culturally diverse restaurants and delis to the area, many of which are still in business today. Recent years have proved that Richmond is here to stay, thanks to its involved community and vibrant heritage.