Germantown

Germantown

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Northwest Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19144
Established	1683
Named for	German immigrant founders
Boundaries	Complex; roughly Wissahickon Creek to Stenton Avenue
Adjacent	Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill, East Falls, Nicetown-Tioga
Major streets	Germantown Avenue, Chelten Avenue, Wayne Avenue
Transit	SEPTA Regional Rail (Chelten Avenue, Germantown stations), Bus Routes
Landmarks	Cliveden, Germantown White House, Johnson House

Germantown is a historic neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia, founded in 1683 by German immigrants, making it one of the oldest settlements in Pennsylvania. The neighborhood is rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, home to Cliveden (site of the Battle of Germantown) and numerous historic houses. Germantown Avenue, one of America's oldest roads, serves as the neighborhood's spine.

While Germantown faces economic challenges common to many Philadelphia neighborhoods, its extraordinary collection of historic sites and strong community organizations make it a unique destination for history enthusiasts and a neighborhood working toward revitalization.

History

Founding

Germantown was founded on October 6, 1683 by 13 families from Krefeld, Germany, led by Francis Daniel Pastorius. The settlement was established on 5,700 acres purchased from William Penn and became the first permanent German settlement in the American colonies.

Colonial Era

Germantown grew as a prosperous community of farmers, craftsmen, and eventually wealthy merchants. The neighborhood developed along Germantown Avenue (originally called Main Street), which connected Germantown to Philadelphia.

In 1688, Germantown Quakers issued the Germantown Petition Against Slavery, the first formal protest against slavery in the American colonies—a landmark document in abolitionist history.

Revolutionary War

Germantown played a significant role in the Revolutionary War:

Battle of Germantown (October 4, 1777): George Washington's forces attacked British troops occupying the neighborhood. Though Americans lost the battle, the audacity of the attack boosted morale and helped convince France to enter the war as an American ally.

Key sites from the battle:

• Cliveden - British stronghold during the battle
• The Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House) - Where Washington later stayed as President

19th and 20th Centuries

Germantown became a fashionable summer retreat for wealthy Philadelphians, who built grand estates along Germantown Avenue. The neighborhood was consolidated into Philadelphia in 1854.

The late 20th century brought economic decline as industry left and population decreased. Germantown today shows signs of both struggle and revitalization.

Historic Sites

Germantown contains an extraordinary concentration of historic buildings:

Cliveden

Cliveden (c. 1767) was the summer home of Pennsylvania Chief Justice Benjamin Chew. During the Battle of Germantown, British soldiers fortified the house, and the stone walls still bear marks from American musket fire.

• National Historic Landmark
• Open for tours
• Offers Revolutionary War reenactments

Germantown White House

The Deshler-Morris House served as the summer White House for President George Washington in 1793-94 during the yellow fever epidemic.

• National Park Service site
• Tours available

Johnson House

The Johnson House (c. 1768) was a documented stop on the Underground Railroad.

• Historic site and museum
• Tells the story of abolition in Germantown

Stenton

Stenton (1730) was the home of James Logan, William Penn's secretary and a leading colonial intellectual.

• National Historic Landmark
• Beautiful Georgian architecture

Other Historic Sites

• Grumblethorpe (1744) - Colonial wine merchant's home
• Wyck - Historic house and garden
• Vernon House - Meeting site during Revolutionary era
• Germantown Historical Society - Museum and archives

Germantown Avenue

Germantown Avenue is one of America's oldest roads, running from Center City through Northwest Philadelphia:

• Originally a Native American path
• Lined with historic buildings
• Commercial corridor with local businesses
• Connects multiple neighborhoods

Arts and Culture

Cultural Institutions

• Germantown Historical Society - Archives and museum
• Awbury Arboretum — 55-acre urban nature preserve
• Theatre Horizon - Regional theater

Arts Community

Germantown has an active arts community:

• Artist studios
• Community arts organizations
• Annual arts festivals

Getting There

Public Transit

• SEPTA Regional Rail: Chestnut Hill West Line (Chelten Avenue, Germantown stations)
• SEPTA Bus Routes: 23 (major route along Germantown Avenue), 53, 65, H

Driving

• Germantown Avenue from Center City
• Lincoln Drive from East Falls
• Wissahickon Avenue from Manayunk/Roxborough

Living in Germantown

Housing

• Historic stone houses
• Victorian-era homes
• Rowhouses
• Some apartment buildings
• Housing prices lower than nearby Chestnut Hill or Mount Airy

Demographics

Germantown is diverse:

• Long-term residents
• Newcomers attracted by affordability and history
• Artists and preservationists
• Mix of incomes

Challenges

Germantown faces ongoing challenges:

• Commercial corridor vacancies
• Property maintenance
• Crime in some areas
• Need for economic investment

Revitalization

Efforts to revitalize Germantown include:

• Historic preservation initiatives
• Community development corporations
• Small business support
• Arts and culture programming

Parks and Open Space

• Awbury Arboretum — 55-acre urban nature preserve and historic estate
• Vernon Park — Historic neighborhood park along Germantown Avenue
• Cliveden Park — Open space adjacent to the historic Cliveden estate
• Chew Playground — Recreation center with pool and sports facilities
• Carpenter's Woods — Natural area along border with Mount Airy
• Wissahickon Valley Park — Extensive trail system along western border

See Also

• Chestnut Hill
• Mount Airy
• Northwest Philadelphia
• Battle of Germantown
• Awbury Arboretum
• Vernon Park
• Wissahickon Valley Park