Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia, PA
Elfreth's Alley
Walking down many of the streets in Philadelphia is taking a historic journey, Elfreth’s Alley is perhaps one of the best.
A stroll down the single block of Elfreth’s Alley is stepping back in time . . . to America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. The 32 houses of Elfreth’s Alley were built between 1728 and 1836.
The street is narrow, and an occasional car (presumably that of one of the residents) rolls down the cobblestone. The houses are tall and narrow, with “busybody” mirrors visible so that residents can see who’s knocking on the door from the upstairs windows. Two adjacent homes have become a museum of the historic neighborhood, but the others are still privately owned.
A walk down Elfreth’s Alley is a delightful journey to the time when the United States was being formed and Benjamin Franklin was a resident of Philadelphia. If you’re taking a historical tour of Philadelphia, be sure to include it on your journey.
If You Go:
Street open year round.
Elfreth’s Alley Museum: 126 Elfreth’s Alley
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5
Sunday 12-5
Special events and other information can be found at the Elfreth’s Alley website.
Photo Credits: minnemom on flickr
Linda (minnemom) ventured from Minnesota to Pennsylvania with her family and included
Elfreth’s Alley in their Philadelphia visit. She writes of her adventures at Travels with Children.
Related Posts:
