Penn Treaty Park

Penn Treaty Park
Type	Historic park
Location	Fishtown (Delaware River)
Coordinates	40.0030,-75.1250
Area	7 acres
Established	1893
Operated by	Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Features	Treaty elm site, river views, playground, dog park
Hours	Dawn to dusk
Transit	SEPTA bus 25; walk from Fishtown
Website	Official Site

Penn Treaty Park is a 7-acre park along the Delaware River in Fishtown, commemorating the site where William Penn allegedly signed a treaty of friendship with the Lenape (Delaware) people in 1682 or 1683. Whether or not the specific treaty occurred as tradition describes, the park marks the location of early peaceful interactions between Penn's colonists and the indigenous inhabitants of the region.

The park represents one of Philadelphia's most symbolically important historic sites and offers rare public access to the Delaware River waterfront.

History

The Treaty

The legendary Treaty of Shackamaxon:

• Traditionally dated to 1682 or 1683
• William Penn and Lenape leaders
• Peace and friendship agreement
• Land transaction terms
• "Never sworn to, never broken"

Historical Debate

Historians debate the treaty's specifics:

• No written record of the specific treaty survives
• Multiple treaties and agreements occurred
• The tradition may combine several events
• Penn's peaceful approach is documented
• Symbolic importance transcends historical precision

The Treaty Elm

A great elm tree marked the traditional site:

• Stood for centuries as memorial
• Blew down in 1810 storm
• Wood made into relics
• Successor trees planted
• Monument marks the site

Voltaire's Praise

Voltaire wrote of Penn's treaty:

• "The only treaty never sworn to and never broken"
• Helped cement the legend
• Contrasted with violent colonization elsewhere
• Became symbol of peaceful coexistence

Park Establishment

The park was created in 1893:

• William Penn Society advocacy
• Preserved historic site from development
• Industrial waterfront surrounded the park
• Maintained despite neighborhood changes

Features

Treaty Monument

Memorial marking the site:

• Monument to the treaty
• Commemorative plaques
• Historic interpretation
• Successor elm trees

Delaware River Access

Rare waterfront access:

• Direct river frontage
• Views of Delaware River
• Ben Franklin Bridge visible
• Camden skyline across water

Playground

• Modern playground equipment
• Family-friendly space
• Neighborhood use

Dog Park

Off-leash area:

• Fenced dog run
• Popular with Fishtown residents
• River views

Open Space

• Lawn areas
• Shade trees
• Benches
• Picnic space

Significance

Penn Treaty Park represents:

• Peaceful founding: Philadelphia's Quaker heritage of peace
• Indigenous recognition: Acknowledgment of Lenape presence
• American ideals: Religious liberty and fair dealing
• Historic preservation: Site protection since 1893

Penn's Legacy

William Penn's approach included:

• Purchasing land from Lenape (unusual for the era)
• Seeking peaceful coexistence
• Religious tolerance
• "Holy Experiment" of Pennsylvania

Modern Reflection

The park invites reflection on:

• Colonial and indigenous relations
• The complexity of founding narratives
• Peace as a Philadelphia value
• Ongoing reconciliation

Visiting

Hours

• Dawn to dusk
• Open year-round

Getting There

Location: Beach Street and Delaware Avenue, Fishtown

By Public Transit:

• SEPTA Bus 25 to Delaware Avenue
• Walk from Fishtown

By Car:

• Street parking available
• Delaware Avenue access

By Bicycle:

• Delaware River Trail access

Tips

• Read the historic markers
• The river views are excellent
• Combine with Fishtown exploration
• Sunset over the river is beautiful
• The neighborhood has great restaurants nearby

Events

• Annual treaty commemorations
• Community gatherings
• Historic programs
• Neighborhood events

Nearby

• Fishtown — Surrounding neighborhood
• Delaware River — Waterfront
• SugarHouse Casino — Adjacent
• Kensington — North
• Northern Liberties — South

See Also

• William Penn
• Lenape
• Fishtown
• Delaware River
• Philadelphia History

External Links

• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Finder
• National Park Service - Penn's Treaty