McPherson Square
| McPherson Square | |
|---|---|
| Type | Neighborhood square |
| Location | Kensington |
| Coordinates | 40.0110,-75.1320 |
| Area | 3 acres |
| Established | 1849 |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Library, recreation center, playground, community space |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes; near McPherson Square Library |
| Website | Official Site |
McPherson Square is a 3-acre neighborhood square in Kensington, anchoring the community around the historic McPherson Square Library branch. Named for General James McPherson, a Civil War hero, the square has served as a community gathering space since 1849 and remains an important neighborhood resource despite the challenges facing Kensington.[1]
The square and library together form the civic heart of Kensington.
History
Founding
McPherson Square established 1849:
- Part of Kensington grid development
- Industrial neighborhood center
- Named for Major General James B. McPherson
- Civil War Union general killed in 1864
Industrial Era
The square served:
- Factory workers' green space
- Community gathering point
- Site of neighborhood events
- Library added in 1906
McPherson Square Library (1906)
Carnegie Library branch:
- Designed by Whitfield & King
- Classical Revival architecture
- Gift of Andrew Carnegie
- Continuous library service since opening
Modern Challenges
The area has faced:
- Industrial decline
- Economic challenges
- Opioid crisis impact
- Community resilience efforts
Features
McPherson Square Library
Free Library of Philadelphia branch:
- Carnegie-era building (1906)
- Historic architecture
- Community programs
- Children's services
- Computer access
- One of Philadelphia's most active branches
Recreation Facilities
- Playground
- Basketball courts
- Open lawn
- Seating areas
Community Space
- Neighborhood gatherings
- Events and programs
- Community organizing center
- Historic gathering point
Using the Square
Library Services
McPherson Square Library offers:
- Books and media lending
- Children's programming
- Teen programs
- Adult education
- Computer access
- Community space
Recreation
- Playground for children
- Basketball
- Open play
- Passive recreation
Visiting
Hours
- Park: Dawn to dusk
- Library: Check Free Library of Philadelphia for hours
Getting There
Location: E Street and Indiana Avenue, Kensington
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 3, 39, 60
- Walk from Allegheny or Huntingdon stations
By Car:
- Street parking
- In Kensington neighborhood
Tips
- The library is excellent and worth visiting
- The neighborhood faces challenges—be aware of surroundings
- Community events and outreach programs are active
- Support local businesses
Community Context
Kensington
McPherson Square sits in historic Kensington:
- Former industrial powerhouse
- Working-class heritage
- Strong community identity
- Facing economic and social challenges
- Active community organizations
Resilience
Community efforts include:
- Library programming
- Neighborhood cleanup initiatives
- Youth programs
- Recovery services
- Community organizing
Nearby
- Kensington — Surrounding neighborhood
- Norris Square — Nearby park
- Fairhill Square — Nearby park
- North Philadelphia — Area
See Also
References
- ↑ "McPherson Square". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025