Philadelphia is a unique city in that you can see its history when you walk around. You’re just as likely to stumble upon (or over…) some cobblestones as you are to find a brand new bike lane, and even our pharmacies and coffee shops are located in 300-year-old buildings. Check out what Philadelphia looked like over the years and see if you can spot the resemblances to our present-day city in these vintage photos.
Can you imagine walking down Philly’s streets when they looked like this?
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
City Hall towered over the city - it was the tallest building in the world until 1908, and the tallest in Philadelphia until 1986.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
Did you know that Rittenhouse Square was one of the original five public squares designated by William Penn?
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
This is a photo of 2nd and Market Street from 1907!
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
And here’s the view from 3rd and Arch, in that same year.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
You can see City Hall again in this photo of South Broad Street.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
Do you recognize this view? 4th and Walnut looks a little bit different nowadays.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
The shops along Market Street (shown here from 10th Street) have changed over the years, but this view is still very familiar.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
Here’s a neat shot from North Broad Street & Girard Ave.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
This is what the west side of Philadelphia looked like from the top of City Hall’s tower in 1900.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
The 1910 Trolley Strike Riots disrupted life in Philadelphia, as trolley workers fought for fair wages.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
But by 1911, trolleys once again ruled the streets.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
Here’s the Italian Market - well, it doesn’t look all that different!
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
Do you remember the first “Popocalypse” in 1979? It was an honor for Philadelphia to host the Pope!
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
Here’s a photo of Philadelphia during a women’s Buddhist chorus parade down the Ben Franklin Parkway in the 1980s.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
And finally… do you remember the Sunday Fundays at Eakins Oval in front of the Art Museum? These small pop-up carnivals were a staple of Philadelphia life growing up!
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
These photos are such a flashback! You might also want to take a look at these 14 Then And Now Photos In Philadelphia That Show Just How Much It Has Changed for another great perspective on past Philly life.
Free Library of Philadelphia / Historic Photos Collection
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
