Bartrams Garden
| Bartram's Garden | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic garden / Park |
| Location | Southwest Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.9322,-75.2125 |
| Area | 50 acres |
| Established | 1728 |
| Operated by | John Bartram Association |
| Features | Historic house, botanical collections, river views, community programs |
| Hours | Grounds: dawn to dusk; House: by tour |
| Transit | SEPTA bus 36; walk from 49th Street Station |
| Website | Official Site |
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.[1]
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.
History
John Bartram (1699-1777)
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.
From his farm along the Schuylkill, Bartram:
- 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)
John's son William continued and expanded his father's work:
- Traveled extensively through the American South
- Published Travels (1791), a foundational work of American nature writing
- Corresponded with Thomas Jefferson and other founders
- Maintained and expanded the garden
Later History
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.
Features
Historic House
The Bartram House (c. 1728-1770) is a National Historic Landmark:
- Stone farmhouse built by John Bartram
- Period furnishings and exhibits
- Tours available
- Displays on Bartram family history
Historic Plant Collections
Plants from the Bartram era remain on site:
- Franklinia alatamaha — A tree discovered by the Bartrams, now extinct in the wild
- Historic specimens and their descendants
- Plants documented in Bartram's correspondence
- Native species from throughout eastern North America
Gardens and Grounds
Modern gardens complement the historic collections:
- Native plant meadows
- Demonstration gardens
- Community vegetting areas
- Riverside habitats
River Access
Schuylkill River waterfront:
- Boat launch
- Community boating programs
- Kayaking and canoeing
- River trail access
- Fishing
Programs
Community Programs
Bartram's Garden serves as a community hub:
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Youth programs and summer camps
- Adult education on gardening and nature
- Volunteer opportunities
Boating
The Community Boating Center offers:
- Free and low-cost boating
- Kayak and canoe access
- Youth rowing programs
- River ecology education
Events
- Music festivals
- Harvest celebrations
- Garden tours
- Educational workshops
Visiting
Hours
- Grounds: Dawn to dusk, free admission
- Historic House: Tours available; check website for schedule
- Boat Launch: Seasonal hours
Getting There
Location: 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Southwest Philadelphia
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 36 to 54th Street and Lindbergh
- Walk from 49th Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
By Car:
- From I-76: Exit at University Avenue, follow signs
- Free parking on site
By Bicycle:
- Schuylkill River Trail connection (via Grays Ferry Crescent)
By Boat:
- Accessible via Schuylkill River
Tips
- Call ahead for house tour availability
- 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
Bartram's Garden is significant for:
- 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
References
- ↑ "Bartram's Garden". John Bartram Association. Retrieved December 30, 2025