by Lacey Simmons

Created on: August 28, 2008   Last Updated: September 04, 2011

Located in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, Northeast Square as it was once known was renamed in 1825 as Franklin Square to honor Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States as well as an inventor, printer, scientist, and diplomat.  Franklin Square was built on the vision of William Penn, he envisioned Philadelphia as a "Green Countrie Towne". He also envisioned having open green spaces that could be shared by everyone. Five Public squares were built Franklin Square included. Each of them were given directional names such as center square and northeast square but were all later renamed to honor inspirational figures throughout history.

During the American Revolution the square served as a burial ground for the German Reform Church; some of the graves still remain there making it one of the most interesting attractions of the square today.It was also used as a place to store gun powder during the American Revolution as well as for drilling soldiers during the war of 1812. It was said that Benjamin Franklin's famous "Kite and Key" experiment was performed here at Franklin Square.

In the 1920s several events due to the rise of the use of automobiles caused the decline of the square and its neighborhood surroundings. Construction of the Ben Franklin Bridge leveled blocks of buildings because the bridge begins at the squares eastern boundary, 6th street. The constant flow of traffic cut off pedestrian's accessibility on two sides of the square. The Governments plan to establish Independence Mall in the 1950s further weakened the residential character of the neighborhood. Later in the 1980s the construction of the Vine Street Expressway furthered this problem. The square was labeled as "Skid Row Park" by Jane Jacobs an architectural writer. Franklin Square became the least used out Penn's original five squares and became a place for the homeless to stay.

The park was rejuvenated and rededicated in July 2006 by Once Upon a Nation and Fair mount Park . Franklin Square was restored with the Philadelphia Park Liberty carousel, miniature golf, playgrounds, and a restored nineteenth century fountain. Three hundred years later it is now a lovely park and an entertainment destination, giving the tourist a blend of history and entertainment that appeals to both children and adults.

Franklin Square not only holds a great deal of historical significance but it is now a great place to enjoy family activities. The square now features an old merry-go-round, a carousel and much more. It is now a place of retreat, history and even inspiration.There is simply something for everyone at Franklin Square.

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