History of Franklin Square

Franklin Square dates to 1682 and is one of William Penn's five original city squares in Philadelphia. Spanning just under 8 acres, it was part of Penn's plan for Philadelphia to be a "green countrie towne" meant to be shared and enjoyed by all. Originally called "North East Publick Square," it was renamed for Benjamin Franklin in 1825. Over the years, it served as a cattle pasture, a horse and cattle market, a burial ground, a magazine for ammunition powder, a drill and parade ground for the American military during the War of 1812, and finally a city park. The fountain was built in 1837 and is thought to be the oldest surviving fountain in William Penn's historic squares. In 1915, the square was placed under the care and management of the Fairmount Park Commission, which granted Historic Philadelphia, Inc. permission to renovate and operate it in the summer of 2006.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · United States