Frankford: Difference between revisions
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== Frequently Asked Questions == | |||
{{FAQ | |||
|q1=Why is the El called the Frankford Line? | |||
|a1=The Market-Frankford Line is named for its two termini: it begins at 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby and terminates at Frankford Transportation Center. The line runs along Market Street through Center City, then through Kensington before ending in Frankford, hence the "Market-Frankford" name. | |||
|q2=How old is Frankford? | |||
|a2=Frankford was settled in 1683, making it one of the oldest communities in the Philadelphia area—only three years after Philadelphia itself was founded. It was an independent borough from 1800 until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. | |||
|q3=What happened to Frankford Arsenal? | |||
|a3=Frankford Arsenal was a U.S. Army ammunition manufacturing facility that operated from 1816 to 1977. At its peak, it employed over 20,000 workers. The arsenal closed in 1977 as part of military downsizing, removing a major employer and contributing to the neighborhood's economic decline. The site is now an industrial park. | |||
|q4=Is Frankford safe? | |||
|a4=Frankford has higher crime rates than many Philadelphia neighborhoods and faces economic challenges including poverty, vacant properties, and commercial decline. However, the neighborhood has active community organizations working on revitalization. Safety varies by specific block, and many longtime residents take pride in their community. | |||
}} | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
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|description=Guide to Frankford, Philadelphia's historic Northeast neighborhood at the end of the El. Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue, and community history. | |description=Guide to Frankford, Philadelphia's historic Northeast neighborhood at the end of the El. Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue, and community history. | ||
|keywords=Frankford Philadelphia, Frankford Transportation Center, Market-Frankford Line, Frankford Avenue, Northeast Philadelphia | |keywords=Frankford Philadelphia, Frankford Transportation Center, Market-Frankford Line, Frankford Avenue, Northeast Philadelphia | ||
|type= | |type=Article | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[Category:Neighborhoods]] | [[Category:Neighborhoods]] | ||
[[Category:Northeast Philadelphia]] | [[Category:Northeast Philadelphia]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:03, 24 December 2025
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeast Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19124, 19135, 19137 |
| Established | 1683 |
| Named for | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Boundaries | Complex; roughly Tacony Creek to the Juniata Park area |
| Adjacent | Juniata Park, Holmesburg, Bridesburg, Kensington |
| Major streets | Frankford Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, Margaret Street |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (multiple stations ending at Frankford Transportation Center) |
| Landmarks | Frankford Transportation Center, Frankford Avenue commercial district |
Frankford is a historic neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, serving as the terminus of the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"). Originally founded as an independent borough in 1683, Frankford is one of Philadelphia's oldest settlements. The neighborhood centers on Frankford Avenue, a major commercial corridor, and the Frankford Transportation Center, a critical transit hub.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Colonial Era
[edit | edit source]Frankford was settled in 1683 by German and Swedish colonists along the Frankford Creek. The settlement was named for Frankfurt, Germany, home of many early residents. Frankford became a milling and manufacturing center, using water power from the creek.
Borough Era
[edit | edit source]Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and remained independent until consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. The town had its own character and identity, centered on Frankford Avenue.
Industrial Era
[edit | edit source]Frankford became a manufacturing center:
- Textile mills
- Arsenal (Frankford Arsenal, 1816-1977)
- Various factories
- Working-class employment
Modern Era
[edit | edit source]Deindustrialization hit Frankford hard. The closing of Frankford Arsenal in 1977 removed a major employer. The neighborhood has struggled economically while remaining a critical transit hub.
Frankford Transportation Center
[edit | edit source]The Frankford Transportation Center is the terminal station for the Market-Frankford Line:
- Major transit hub
- Bus connections
- Thousands of daily commuters
- Commercial activity around station
The El runs along Market Street in Center City, then along Front Street and Kensington, terminating at Frankford.
Frankford Avenue
[edit | edit source]Frankford Avenue is one of Philadelphia's oldest roads and the neighborhood's commercial corridor:
- Retail shops
- Restaurants
- Services
- Mix of occupied and vacant storefronts
The avenue extends from Old City through Kensington and into Frankford.
Character
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]- Rowhouses (dominant)
- Some Victorian-era buildings
- Commercial buildings along Frankford Avenue
- Former industrial sites
Challenges
[edit | edit source]Frankford faces economic challenges:
- Commercial vacancies
- Poverty
- Crime concerns
- Disinvestment
Community
[edit | edit source]Despite challenges:
- Strong community organizations
- Long-term residents
- Neighborhood pride
- Revitalization efforts
Living in Frankford
[edit | edit source]Housing
[edit | edit source]- Affordable rowhouses
- Lower prices than most Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Mix of owner-occupied and rental
- Some vacant properties
Demographics
[edit | edit source]- Diverse by race and ethnicity
- Working-class
- Long-term residents
- Some newcomers seeking affordability
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Market-Frankford Line
[edit | edit source]Multiple El stations serve Frankford:
- Frankford Transportation Center (terminal)
- Arrott Transportation Center
- Church Street***
- Margaret-Orthodox
Bus Routes
[edit | edit source]Numerous bus routes connect at Frankford Transportation Center.