Philadelphia’s Historic North Central Waterfront: From Market to Spring Garden Streets, Or: What Hath I-95 Wrought?

Join Harry Kyriakodis for an illuminating look at what may very well be the most important and interesting part of Philadelphia: the city’s original waterfront east of Second Street to the Delaware River and from Market to Spring Garden Streets.  Walk along the city’s original Delaware waterfront to hear about “the good, the bad and the ugly” along this storied route. This tour will point out things that used to be there and things that are still there, as well as the long-forgotten incidents that happened in that vicinity. Explore this historic part of town and discover clues as to what it was like before I-95 cut its scorched-Earth path through the waterfront.  Learn how Delaware Avenue was transformed from a craggy footpath to the broad boulevard—Columbus Boulevard—that is there today.  Learn how this neighborhood was once the domain and domicile of mariner-merchant Stephen Girard, the richest man in America when he died in 1831.  Become acquainted with some of the remnants of the district’s maritime heritage, including the first shipbuilding facility in Philadelphia, remains of which are still buried in the area.  See a 300-year-old stairwell that William Penn would recognize if brought back to life.  Discuss both historic and contemporary issues of land use, transportation, manufacturing, urban planning, pollution, and historic preservation (and the lack thereof).