Elfreth's Alley

Are you ready to experience three centuries of history on one street at Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia!?

Elfreth’s Alley is a fascianting street, as it was not actually included in original plans for Philadelphia. As Philadelphia became this impressive, bustling city, it saw merchants and artisans begin to reside close to the ports. This ulitmatley led to overcrowding, and landowners offered alternate routes to the river.

It was when two men named Arthur Wells and John Gilbert opened a cart path between their properties, and in 1703 this became known as Elfreth’s Alley. The alley was actually named after Jeremiah Elfreth, who was a blacksmith and land developer!

Today, Elfreth’s Alley is an “exceptional example of early American structures built between 1720 and 1830” according to the historic marker designated in 2016.

Elfreth's Alley is still today a thriving residential community home to artists and artisans, educators and entrepreneurs, and everything in-between!

The alley itself is free to roam, however worthy of a stop is the Elfreth’s Alley Museum (which is located at houses 124 and 126). This charming museum celebrates the working class of the USA who helped build the country through sweat and commerce.

Are you ready to not only experience history, but be part of history yourselves!? A fascinating family day out in Philadelphia!