Gray's Ferry, named after the ferryboat that used to cross the Schuykill River into Philadelphia, is a neighborhood in South Philadelphia. This neighborhood extends from Grays Ferry Avenue to Morris Street and from 25th Street to the Schuykill River. Gray's Ferryboat was the southernmost ferry that crossed the river. The ferryboat was owned by George Gray, who also established Gray’s Inn and Gray’s Garden, which were very popular in the 1790’s. The neighborhood also has a long history in economic development. It housed the Schuykill Arsenal, which played a large role in supplying both the Lewis and Clark Expedition and military goods for the Civil War. Until recently, Gray's Ferry has been a hotbed for racial tension. In 1997, tensions between the Irish Catholics living in the area’s middle income row housing and the African Americans living in the neighborhoods low income housing projects exploded in a series of violent crimes, often taking place in the community's playgrounds. Since that time, the tension has subsided, partially due to the recent housing boom in Philadelphia, which brought in many young, alternative lifestyle professionals to the area.  Today Gray's Ferry prides itself on being a tight knit community where everyone is like family. While the community has an unpleasant past, residents are hopeful that the new Greater Gray's Ferry Estates will help attract new residents. 

RESOURCES

Grays Ferry Community website

South Philly Review on Grays Ferry