Race Street (Philadelphia)

Race Street is a major east–west street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that runs parallel to Cherry Street. It was one of William Penn's original gridded streets from the 1680s, although named Sassafras Street then.[1] It is listed by name on the map in Birch's Views of Philadelphia (1800) – Race and Arch Streets are listed by their original names, "Sassafras" and "Mulberry." The earliest official use of the name Cherry Street was in 1809.[2]

Race Street
Maintained byPennDOT
Postal code19102, 19103, 1904

History

The name "Race Street" was originally a nickname given to the street, as the street was used for horse racing in the early 1800s. The name became official some time in the mid-1850s.

Points of interest

Center City

From east in Center City (near the Delaware River) to west (near the Schuylkill River):

West Philadelphia

Drexel University Campus, from 32nd to 34th Streets:

See also

References

  1. Robert F. Looney, Old Philadelphia in Early Photographs, 1839–1913 (Courier, 2013).
  2. Alotta, Robert I. (1990). Mermaids, Monasteries, Cherokees, and Custer: The Stories Behind Philadelphia Street Names. Chicago, IL: Bonus Books, Inc. p. 52. ISBN 9780933893900.
  3. "Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Center City". Embassy Suites by Hilton.

39.955577°N 75.16475°W / 39.955577; -75.16475

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