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Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia
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Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia

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Elfreth's Alley: Here is the story...
  • Tip Rating:
  • Pawtuxet
  • Updated By Pawtuxet on December 4, 2004
  • Philadelphia Page by Pawtuxet
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    by Pawtuxet
    Elfreth's Alley
    This National Historic Landmark,
    named for blacksmith
    Jeremiah Elfreth , has been
    continuously occupied since 1713.
    The houses standing date from
    1728 - 1836 representing Colonial
    and Federal style architecture.

    The public is invited to visit
    The Museum House at No. 126.

    Please respect our privacy.

    Leave a Comment

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    Elfreth's Alley: A walk through America's oldest resident street
  • Tip Rating:
  • bct341
  • Updated By bct341 on August 2, 2003
  • Philadelphia Page by bct341
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    Elfreth's Alley
    by bct341
    Step back in time and imagine city life in the early 1700's as you gaze up Georgian style homes known locally as "trinity" style. Trinity style is named such because of having one room per floor and is likened to the religious trinity--Father, Son and Holy Ghost. These narrow tall buildings have a kitchen in the basement, a living area on the ground floor, and a bedroom on the top floor. A visit to the gift shop shows you how tiny these homes are. Make sure to go deep into the street to see Bladen's court. This is an alley within an alley that leads to a unique home built with a balcony.

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  • Address: ummm... Elfreth's Alley of course
  • Phone: 215.574.0560
  • Directions: Off 2nd St, bet. Race and Arch Streets
  • Website: http://www.elfrethsalley.org/
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    Elfreth's Alley: Visit Elfreth's Alley circa. 1789
  • Tip Rating:
  • ringleader
  • Updated By ringleader on October 13, 2006
  • Philadelphia Page by ringleader
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    Elfreth's Alley
    by ringleader,
    4 more photos
    This is the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the nation and a National Historic Landmark. This streetscape of 33 Colonial- and Federal-style homes was once occupied by artisans, including blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth. There was a Windsor Chair home as well. Two homes are open to the public for guided tours showcasing the allwy's 300-year old history and 18th century life in Colonial America.

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  • Address: 126 Elfreth's Alley
  • Phone: 215-574-0560
  • Directions: Off 2nd Street between Arch and Race Streets. Museum houses are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday; noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission fee to museum houses, but not to walk down the street.
  • Website: no website
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    Elfreth's Alley: Elfreth's Alley
  • Tip Rating:
  • seagoingJLW
  • By seagoingJLW on March 21, 2003
  • Philadelphia Page by seagoingJLW
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    Elfreth's Alley
    by seagoingJLW
    Many of the alley's 33 houses were built prior to 1776. The alley is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest residential street in the United States. Thousands of visitors come here every year .

    There is no other neighborhood like this. You will see families, professionals and other residents who choose to live here and keep the past alive.

    There is also a museum

    Leave a Comment

  • Address: 126 Elfreth's Ally (Director)
  • Phone: 215-574-0560
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    Elfreth's Alley: The Oldest Such in America
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  • mrclay2000
  • By mrclay2000 on December 28, 2005
  • Philadelphia Page by mrclay2000
  • looking eastward on the alley - Philadelphia
    looking eastward on the alley
    by mrclay2000, 2 more photos
    Elfreth's Alley is the oldest continuously residential street in the United States. Though a glance seems to indicate a greater number, there are actually only thirty-three Federal or Colonial houses here dating from the first half of the 18th century. Dates all along the alley record 1730s and 1750s era establishments or architecture. Since this is an actual residential area though an important tourist destination, signs warn visitors to keep somewhat quiet. . .otherwise homeowners might get uptight. Even a soft conversation in the midst of this "road" can be heard from four or five living room. More so than the other historical sites in town, a second's immersion here will remind one almost instantly of Washington's time (with good reason, since the two are contemporary).

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  • Address: Elfreth's Alley
  • Phone: (215) 574-0560
  • Directions: almost on the Delaware River, three blocks east of the U.S. Mint
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    Elfreth's Alley: Elfreth's Alley
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  • acemj
  • Updated By acemj on October 22, 2005
  • Philadelphia Page by acemj
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    by acemj
    Elfreth's Alley is the oldest residential street in the country. And my sister and brother-in-law lived on it! for ten years. It's a quaint street with an interesting museum.

    Please respect the resident's privacy. Sometimes my sister would get sick of the tourist's trying to peek in her windows.

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    Elfreth's Alley: Elfreth's Alley
  • Tip Rating:
  • dmarino622
  • By dmarino622 on January 30, 2007
  • Philadelphia Page by dmarino622
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    by dmarino622,
    2 more photos
    Tucked away amid much commerce is the oldest continuously inhabited residential area in America. Note, it is not the earliest Philadelphia settlement, that being Southwark (Front to 4th St. between South and Washington) which has been bulldozed and replaced with low cost residences. Elfreth's Alley is instead an elegant trip through one of the most lovely urban alleys you'll ever see. It is located between Market and Arch on 2nd St. though it is kinda tough to find. They will give people a tour and history of the alley. And yes, people are still living there.

  • Directions: Old City
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    Elfreth's Alley: Elfreth's Alley
  • Tip Rating:
  • corcatk
  • Updated By corcatk on April 25, 2006
  • Philadelphia Page by corcatk
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    Elfreth's Alley
    by corcatk
    Elfreth's Alley was created between 1702 and 1704. Located in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood, Elfreth's Alley is a National Historic Landmark and the nation's oldest continuously occupied residential street line with 33 colonial and federal period homes.

    The Elfreth's Alley Museum welcomes visitors for guided tours

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  • Address: Located 1 block north of Arch St., off of N. 2nd
  • Directions: Within walking distance of Independence Hall
  • Website: http://www.elfrethsalley.org/index.htm
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Elfreth's Alley: tiny old street
  • Tip Rating:
  • Pawtuxet
  • By Pawtuxet on December 3, 2004
  • Philadelphia Page by Pawtuxet
  • Elfreth's Alley - Philadelphia
    by Pawtuxet
    Elfreth's Alley, they call it. Just as small and quaint as anything I've ever seen. Each doorway is decorated or designed slightly differently. These "row houses" have remained a typical housing style throughout Philadelphia.

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    Elfreth's Alley: Bladen's Court
  • Tip Rating:
  • mrclay2000
  • By mrclay2000 on May 27, 2006
  • Philadelphia Page by mrclay2000
  • Bladen's Court - Philadelphia
    Bladen's Court
    by mrclay2000, 1 more photos
    For those who especially wish to find colonial Philadelphia, just step away from the heavy pedestrian traffic of Elfreth's Alley into Bladen's Court, a tiny offshoot virtually untouched since its construction. As the name implies this is merely another residential section belonging to the same period as the Alley, but without its veneer, and therefore seemingly more genuine. The houses here are encased in brick, the windows are austere if not cheerless, and the railings look like they've weathered the centuries. All in all the place is well kept and easy to visit, requiring but minutes of your time.

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  • Address: off Elfreth's Alley
  • Directions: northeast downtown Philadelphia
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