Neighborhood - History

This area of Pennsylvania played a quiet but important part in American history. Here, under the branches of a large elm tree by the banks of the Delaware River, William Penn signed his treaty with the Lenni Lenape Indians. In fact, Shackamaxon means meeting place of the chiefs.

Originally known as part of the District of Kensington, the name Fishtown came from the number of smoke houses along Girard Avenue that pickled, salted, or smoked the daily catches brought in from the docks on the Delaware in the early 1800’s. William Cramp opened a shipyard here in 1830 building wooden sailing ships. The yard was in operation until the end of World War II.

Neighborhood - Current

Holy Cow!   What's Happening??

From cyber cafes to trendy bars and artist colonies, Fishtown has been rediscovered! The El is a short 2 block walk from Shackamaxon Court and it whisks you to Center City Philadelphia every ten minutes during rush hour.