Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square - was one of William Penn's original five squares. Back then, Rittenhouse Square was actually referred to as Southwest Square up until 1825 when it had been re-named for the astronomer-clockmaker, David Rittenhouse (1732-96).
Whats Rittenhouse Squares Historic Past
One of many amazing Philadelphians of the 18th century, he was a descendant of William Rittenhouse. Who built America's first paper mill in Germantown, PA.
David Rittenhouse had been at various times a representative of the General Assembly as well as the State Constitutional Convention, president of the Council of Safety, president of the American Philosophical Society, and the very first director of the United States Mint. He was additionally a Professor of Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania and the inventor of the collimating telescope.
Starting with the earliest house facing the Square in 1840, Rittenhouse Square had always represented an upscale location.
In 1913, the architect Paul Cret, who helped design the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as well as the design for the Square's entrances, the central plaza with the stone railings, pool, and fountain. Residing close to or on the Square has to this day become a sign of mark prestige.
Today most of the private homes are gone for good; even today, its considered prestige to live in one of Rittenhouse Square's numerous high-rise Condominiums.
Several of the historic houses are still standing in the area. However many have been transformed into apartments and Brownstone-style Condos.
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly
