Torresdale
Torresdale is a neighborhood in the Far Northeast of Philadelphia. It’s nestled along the Delaware River next to Holmesburg and Bensalem Township in Bucks County. The spot where Poquessing Creek joins the Delaware River was originally selected by William Penn's surveyor, Thomas Holme, as the site for Philadelphia. Although that did not work out, Holme acquired property there. Torresdale, along with Holmesburg to its south and Andalusia to its north, had been Philadelphia's most exquisite suburban neighborhood. Torresdale is the site of Holy Family University. In the mid 1600s the area was settled by the Swedes. Torresdale is named after the Scottish home of Charles Macalester, the man who originally owned the land. The land was bought in 1850 where Macalester built his summer home. Torresdale was home to many prominent Philadelphians and is rich in history. In the latter part of the 1800s, many mansions and fine homes were built throughout the neighborhood. Wealthy families and bussiness owners were the primary residents of the community during that time. The nearby Delaware river that borders along Torresdale was a popular recreation spot in the early 20th century. Today, Torresdale remains a residential area with an accessible SEPTA Regional Rail transit station in the neighborhood.
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