Pennsport
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | South Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19148 |
| Established | 1600s (Swedish settlement) |
| Boundaries | North: Washington Avenue, South: Oregon Avenue, East: Delaware River, West: 4th Street |
| Adjacent | Queen Village, Whitman, South Philadelphia Sports Complex |
| Major streets | 2nd Street, Oregon Avenue, Passyunk Avenue |
| Transit | Broad Street Line (Oregon Station), SEPTA bus routes |
| Landmarks | Mummers Museum, historic rowhouses |
Pennsport is a historic neighborhood in South Philadelphia, one of the oldest settled areas in Pennsylvania. Originally a Swedish settlement predating William Penn's arrival, Pennsport developed as an Irish-American working-class neighborhood and remains a tight-knit community with strong Mummers tradition.
History
[edit | edit source]Swedish Settlement
[edit | edit source]The area was settled by Swedish colonists in the 1600s, making it one of the oldest European settlements in Pennsylvania.
Irish Community
[edit | edit source]Pennsport became predominantly Irish-American in the 19th century, establishing the community character that persists today.
Mummers Tradition
[edit | edit source]Many Mummers clubs are based in Pennsport, and the neighborhood has deep connections to Philadelphia's New Year's Day parade tradition.
Character
[edit | edit source]- Working-class rowhouses
- Tight-knit community
- Multi-generational families
- Mummers culture
- Local taverns and clubs
Mummers Museum
[edit | edit source]The Mummers Museum at 1100 South 2nd Street celebrates the Mummers tradition:
- Costumes and memorabilia
- History of the parade
- Community gathering space
Living in Pennsport
[edit | edit source]- Affordable rowhouses
- Strong community identity
- Family-oriented
- Less gentrified than Queen Village
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- Broad Street Line: Oregon Station
- SEPTA bus routes: 29, 79
- Delaware River waterfront access