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{{Infobox Park
{{Infobox Museum
| name = Bartram's Garden
| name = Bartram's Garden
| image =
| image =
| image_caption = America's oldest surviving botanical garden
| image_caption = Bartram's Garden historic house and grounds
| type = Historic garden / Park
| type = Historic garden, museum
| location = Southwest Philadelphia
| address = 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
| coordinates = 39.9322,-75.2125
| neighborhood = Southwest Philadelphia
| area = 50 acres
| coordinates = 39.9320,-75.2133
| phone = (215) 729-5281
| website = https://www.bartramsgarden.org
| established = 1728
| established = 1728
| operated_by = John Bartram Association
| founder = John Bartram
| features = Historic house, botanical collections, river views, community programs
| director = Maitreyi Roy
| hours = Grounds: dawn to dusk; House: by tour
| collections = Historic plants, 18th-century house
| transit = SEPTA bus 36; walk from 49th Street Station
| visitors = 50,000+ annually
| website = https://www.bartramsgarden.org
| hours = Grounds daily; house tours seasonal
}}
}}


'''Bartram's Garden''' is America's oldest surviving botanical garden and a National Historic Landmark in [[Southwest Philadelphia]]. Founded in 1728 by '''John Bartram'''—the "father of American botany"—the 50-acre site preserves his 18th-century farmhouse, historic plant collections, and provides public access to the [[Schuylkill River]] waterfront.<ref name="bartrams">{{cite web |url=https://www.bartramsgarden.org |title=Bartram's Garden |publisher=John Bartram Association |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
'''Bartram's Garden''' is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, established in '''1728''' by '''John Bartram''', whom Carl Linnaeus called "the greatest natural botanist in the world." Located on 45 acres along the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philadelphia, the garden contains the original 18th-century house and garden created by Bartram and his son William, along with trees and plants that have grown on the site for centuries.<ref name="bartrams">{{cite web |url=https://www.bartramsgarden.org/about/ |title=About Bartram's Garden |publisher=Bartram's Garden |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


Today, Bartram's Garden operates as both a historic site honoring its botanical heritage and a vibrant community resource serving one of Philadelphia's most underserved neighborhoods.
John Bartram traveled thousands of miles through colonial America collecting plants, which he cultivated at his garden and shipped to clients in Europe. His son '''William Bartram''' continued the work and wrote ''Travels'', a celebrated account of his botanical expeditions. Today, Bartram's Garden preserves this horticultural heritage while serving as a community resource with programs in urban agriculture, youth employment, and environmental education.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/bartrams-garden/ |title=Bartram's Garden |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==


=== John Bartram (1699-1777) ===
=== John Bartram ===


John Bartram was a self-taught Quaker farmer who became America's first native-born botanist. King George III appointed him "Royal Botanist for North America" in 1765.
'''John Bartram''' (1699-1777) was a self-taught botanist and farmer who became one of the most important naturalists of the colonial era:
* Established his garden in '''1728'''
* Traveled extensively collecting plants
* Corresponded with scientists worldwide
* Named "Royal Botanist" by King George III (1765)
* Introduced hundreds of American plants to Europe


From his farm along the Schuylkill, Bartram:
Linnaeus's famous praise—"the greatest natural botanist in the world"—reflected Bartram's remarkable contributions to science.
* Collected plants from throughout eastern North America
* Corresponded with leading European scientists
* Introduced over 200 American plant species to Europe
* Created one of the most important botanical collections in the colonial world


=== William Bartram (1739-1823) ===
=== William Bartram ===


John's son William continued and expanded his father's work:
'''William Bartram''' (1739-1823), John's son, continued the botanical tradition:
* Traveled extensively through the American South
* Explored the American Southeast extensively
* Published ''Travels'' (1791), a foundational work of American nature writing
* Published ''Travels'' (1791), a influential account of American nature
* Corresponded with Thomas Jefferson and other founders
* Influenced Romantic poets including Coleridge and Wordsworth
* Maintained and expanded the garden
* Continued operating the garden after his father's death


=== Later History ===
=== The Garden's Influence ===


After the Bartram family, the property passed through various hands before the City of Philadelphia acquired it in 1891. The John Bartram Association, founded in 1893, has managed the site ever since, transforming it into a community-focused public garden.
Plants introduced by the Bartrams include:
* Franklin tree (''Franklinia alatamaha'')—now extinct in the wild
* Many native American species sent to European gardens
* Plants that influenced landscape design on both continents


== Features ==
=== Preservation ===


=== Historic House ===
The garden has been preserved through:
* City of Philadelphia acquisition (1891)
* Continuous cultivation and care
* National Historic Landmark designation (1960)
* Current operation by nonprofit Bartram's Garden, Inc.


The '''Bartram House''' (c. 1728-1770) is a National Historic Landmark:
== The Garden ==
* Stone farmhouse built by John Bartram
* Period furnishings and exhibits
* Tours available
* Displays on Bartram family history


=== Historic Plant Collections ===
=== Historic Plants ===


Plants from the Bartram era remain on site:
The garden contains living history:
* '''Franklinia alatamaha''' — A tree discovered by the Bartrams, now extinct in the wild
* '''Bartram trees:''' Some planted by John Bartram himself
* Historic specimens and their descendants
* '''Franklin tree:''' Descended from trees Bartram discovered
* Plants documented in Bartram's correspondence
* '''Historic specimens:''' Trees over 200 years old
* Native species from throughout eastern North America
* '''Native collections:''' American plants the Bartrams championed


=== Gardens and Grounds ===
=== The River ===


Modern '''gardens''' complement the historic collections:
The Schuylkill River frontage provides:
* Native plant meadows
* Scenic views
* Demonstration gardens
* River access (boat launch)
* Community vegetting areas
* Tidal wetlands
* Riverside habitats
* Wildlife habitat


=== River Access ===
=== The Grounds ===


'''Schuylkill River''' waterfront:
45 acres include:
* Boat launch
* Historic core with Bartram plantings
* Community boating programs
* Meadows and woodlands
* Kayaking and canoeing
* Community farm
* River trail access
* Trails and paths
* Fishing


== Programs ==
== The House ==


=== Community Programs ===
=== Architecture ===


Bartram's Garden serves as a community hub:
John Bartram built and expanded his house over decades:
* '''Community Supported Agriculture''' (CSA)
* Stone farmhouse
* '''Youth programs''' and summer camps
* Distinctive carved inscriptions
* '''Adult education''' on gardening and nature
* Original elements preserved
* '''Volunteer opportunities'''
* Period furnishings


=== Boating ===
=== Tours ===


The '''Community Boating Center''' offers:
House tours (seasonal) explore:
* Free and low-cost boating
* The Bartram family
* Kayak and canoe access
* 18th-century domestic life
* Youth rowing programs
* The plant trade
* River ecology education
* Scientific correspondence
 
== Community Programs ==
 
=== Urban Agriculture ===
 
* Community farm
* Youth farming program
* Farm stand
* Agricultural education
 
=== Youth Programs ===
 
* Environmental education
* Summer camps
* After-school programs
* Workforce development


=== Events ===
=== Events ===


* Music festivals
* Seasonal celebrations
* Harvest celebrations
* Plant sales
* Garden tours
* River activities
* Educational workshops
* Educational programs


== Visiting ==
== Visiting Bartram's Garden ==


=== Hours ===
=== Hours ===


* '''Grounds:''' Dawn to dusk, free admission
'''Grounds:'''
* '''Historic House:''' Tours available; check website for schedule
* Open daily, dawn to dusk
* '''Boat Launch:''' Seasonal hours
* Free admission


=== Getting There ===
'''House Tours:'''
* Seasonal (typically April-October)
* Check website for schedule
* Fee for tours


'''Location:''' 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Southwest Philadelphia
=== Tips ===


'''By Public Transit:'''
* The grounds are free and open daily
* SEPTA Bus 36 to 54th Street and Lindbergh
* Best time to visit: spring and fall for plantings
* Walk from 49th Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
* Bring a picnic—beautiful grounds
* Check for special events and plant sales
* The Franklin tree blooms in late summer


'''By Car:'''
=== Getting There ===
* From I-76: Exit at University Avenue, follow signs
* Free parking on site


'''By Bicycle:'''
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Route 36
* Schuylkill River Trail connection (via Grays Ferry Crescent)
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Airport Line to Eastwick Station (then bus or walk)
* '''By Car:''' Off Lindbergh Boulevard
* '''Parking:''' Free on-site


'''By Boat:'''
=== Location ===
* Accessible via Schuylkill River


=== Tips ===
Bartram's Garden is in Southwest Philadelphia, about 20 minutes from Center City.


* Call ahead for house tour availability
=== Nearby Attractions ===
* The river access is a hidden gem for kayakers
* Spring and fall are best for plant viewing
* Combine with a Schuylkill River Trail visit


== Significance ==
* [[Schuylkill River Trail]] (accessible from garden)
 
* [[Southwest Philadelphia]]
Bartram's Garden is significant for:
* [[John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge]] (nearby)
* '''Botanical history''' — America's first botanical garden
* '''Scientific heritage''' — Base for foundational American natural science
* '''Community service''' — Model for urban garden engagement
* '''Conservation''' — Preserving rare plants and river habitat


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[John Bartram]]
* [[William Bartram]]
* [[Gardens of Philadelphia]]
* [[Schuylkill River]]
* [[Schuylkill River]]
* [[Southwest Philadelphia]]
* [[Natural History in Philadelphia]]
* [[Morris Arboretum]]
* [[Historic Sites in Philadelphia]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 156: Line 175:
== External Links ==
== External Links ==


* [https://www.bartramsgarden.org Bartram's Garden]
* [https://www.bartramsgarden.org Bartram's Garden Official Website]
* [https://www.nps.gov/articles/bartrams-garden.htm National Park Service - Bartram's Garden]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/bartrams-garden/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Bartram's Garden Philadelphia - America's Oldest Botanical Garden
|title=Bartram's Garden - America's Oldest Botanical Garden
|description=Guide to Bartram's Garden, America's oldest surviving botanical garden in Southwest Philadelphia. John Bartram historic house, rare plants, Schuylkill River access.
|description=Visit Bartram's Garden, the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. Historic house, 45 acres on the Schuylkill River, and trees planted by John Bartram in the 18th century.
|keywords=Bartram's Garden Philadelphia, John Bartram, America's oldest botanical garden, Philadelphia botanical gardens, Schuylkill River kayaking, Southwest Philadelphia
|keywords=Bartram's Garden, John Bartram, botanical garden Philadelphia, oldest botanical garden, historic garden, Schuylkill River, Franklin tree, William Bartram
|type=Article
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[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Gardens]]
[[Category:Southwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Southwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Natural History]]
[[Category:Gardens]]
[[Category:Natural Environment]]

Latest revision as of 21:04, 30 December 2025

Bartram's Garden



TypeHistoric garden, museum
Address5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodSouthwest Philadelphia
Phone(215) 729-5281
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1728
FounderJohn Bartram
DirectorMaitreyi Roy
HoursGrounds daily; house tours seasonal
Bartram's Garden(215) 729-52815400 Lindbergh BoulevardPhiladelphiaPAUS

Bartram's Garden is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, established in 1728 by John Bartram, whom Carl Linnaeus called "the greatest natural botanist in the world." Located on 45 acres along the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philadelphia, the garden contains the original 18th-century house and garden created by Bartram and his son William, along with trees and plants that have grown on the site for centuries.[1]

John Bartram traveled thousands of miles through colonial America collecting plants, which he cultivated at his garden and shipped to clients in Europe. His son William Bartram continued the work and wrote Travels, a celebrated account of his botanical expeditions. Today, Bartram's Garden preserves this horticultural heritage while serving as a community resource with programs in urban agriculture, youth employment, and environmental education.[2]

History

[edit | edit source]

John Bartram

[edit | edit source]

John Bartram (1699-1777) was a self-taught botanist and farmer who became one of the most important naturalists of the colonial era:

  • Established his garden in 1728
  • Traveled extensively collecting plants
  • Corresponded with scientists worldwide
  • Named "Royal Botanist" by King George III (1765)
  • Introduced hundreds of American plants to Europe

Linnaeus's famous praise—"the greatest natural botanist in the world"—reflected Bartram's remarkable contributions to science.

William Bartram

[edit | edit source]

William Bartram (1739-1823), John's son, continued the botanical tradition:

  • Explored the American Southeast extensively
  • Published Travels (1791), a influential account of American nature
  • Influenced Romantic poets including Coleridge and Wordsworth
  • Continued operating the garden after his father's death

The Garden's Influence

[edit | edit source]

Plants introduced by the Bartrams include:

  • Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha)—now extinct in the wild
  • Many native American species sent to European gardens
  • Plants that influenced landscape design on both continents

Preservation

[edit | edit source]

The garden has been preserved through:

  • City of Philadelphia acquisition (1891)
  • Continuous cultivation and care
  • National Historic Landmark designation (1960)
  • Current operation by nonprofit Bartram's Garden, Inc.

The Garden

[edit | edit source]

Historic Plants

[edit | edit source]

The garden contains living history:

  • Bartram trees: Some planted by John Bartram himself
  • Franklin tree: Descended from trees Bartram discovered
  • Historic specimens: Trees over 200 years old
  • Native collections: American plants the Bartrams championed

The River

[edit | edit source]

The Schuylkill River frontage provides:

  • Scenic views
  • River access (boat launch)
  • Tidal wetlands
  • Wildlife habitat

The Grounds

[edit | edit source]

45 acres include:

  • Historic core with Bartram plantings
  • Meadows and woodlands
  • Community farm
  • Trails and paths

The House

[edit | edit source]

Architecture

[edit | edit source]

John Bartram built and expanded his house over decades:

  • Stone farmhouse
  • Distinctive carved inscriptions
  • Original elements preserved
  • Period furnishings

Tours

[edit | edit source]

House tours (seasonal) explore:

  • The Bartram family
  • 18th-century domestic life
  • The plant trade
  • Scientific correspondence

Community Programs

[edit | edit source]

Urban Agriculture

[edit | edit source]
  • Community farm
  • Youth farming program
  • Farm stand
  • Agricultural education

Youth Programs

[edit | edit source]
  • Environmental education
  • Summer camps
  • After-school programs
  • Workforce development

Events

[edit | edit source]
  • Seasonal celebrations
  • Plant sales
  • River activities
  • Educational programs

Visiting Bartram's Garden

[edit | edit source]

Hours

[edit | edit source]

Grounds:

  • Open daily, dawn to dusk
  • Free admission

House Tours:

  • Seasonal (typically April-October)
  • Check website for schedule
  • Fee for tours

Tips

[edit | edit source]
  • The grounds are free and open daily
  • Best time to visit: spring and fall for plantings
  • Bring a picnic—beautiful grounds
  • Check for special events and plant sales
  • The Franklin tree blooms in late summer

Getting There

[edit | edit source]
  • SEPTA Bus: Route 36
  • SEPTA Regional Rail: Airport Line to Eastwick Station (then bus or walk)
  • By Car: Off Lindbergh Boulevard
  • Parking: Free on-site

Location

[edit | edit source]

Bartram's Garden is in Southwest Philadelphia, about 20 minutes from Center City.

Nearby Attractions

[edit | edit source]

See Also

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "About Bartram's Garden". Bartram's Garden. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Bartram's Garden". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
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