Editing Boathouse Row (section)

== History ==

=== Origins of Philadelphia Rowing ===

Philadelphia's rowing tradition dates to the early 19th century, when the Schuylkill River became a center for recreational and competitive rowing. The '''Schuylkill Navy''' was founded in '''1858''' as an umbrella organization for the rowing clubs, making it the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States.

The first boathouses were simple wooden structures built along the riverbank. As clubs grew more established and successful, they constructed the elaborate Victorian boathouses that now define the Row.

=== The Schuylkill Navy ===

The Schuylkill Navy regulates rowing on the Schuylkill River and coordinates competition among member clubs. Founded to "secure to its members the full enjoyment of pleasure boating," the organization oversees:
* Racing and regatta scheduling
* Safety standards on the river
* Boathouse Row maintenance and preservation
* Youth and collegiate rowing programs

=== Victorian Era Development ===

Most of the current boathouses were constructed between '''1860 and 1905'''. The clubs competed not only on the water but in the grandeur of their buildings, resulting in a remarkable collection of Victorian architecture.

The boathouses represent various architectural styles:
* Gothic Revival
* Italianate
* Queen Anne
* Romanesque Revival
* Colonial Revival