Philly's Fantastic Four: A Totally Unnecessary Guide to the City's Squares
Hey there, fellow history buffs and park enthusiasts! Ever wandered the streets of Philly and stumbled upon a delightful patch of green seemingly plopped in the middle of the urban jungle? Those, my friends, are the famous squares – a testament to both William Penn's love of urban planning and, perhaps, his fondness for checkers (though the jury's still out on that one).
But with four squares to choose from, a name change or two thrown in for good measure, things can get confusing faster than you can say "cheesesteak." Fear not, for this guide will be your chariot through the labyrinth of Philly's verdant squares (chariot not included, sorry).
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| What Are The 4 Squares In Philadelphia |
The OG Squares: From Humble Beginnings to Tourist Hotspots
William Penn, the Quaker founder of Philly, wasn't just some dude with a cool hat. He was a visionary! Back in the 17th century, he dreamt of a city that was more than just cramped houses and muddy streets. Enter the five squares, strategically placed in a grid pattern to provide green spaces for the community. Think of them as Penn's way of saying, "Hey, folks, let's take a break from chasing pigeons and admire some nature!"
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These squares originally had boring names like "Southwest Square" and "Northeast Square" (because, well, Quakers weren't big on flair). But in 1825, the city council decided to spice things up by naming them after important figures. Thus, we have:
- Rittenhouse Square: Named after David Rittenhouse, an astronomer who probably used the square to gaze at the stars (or maybe just take a nap under a tree, we don't judge).
- Washington Square: A tribute to George Washington, of course. Though rumor has it he once got lost trying to find the square – ironic, huh?
- Logan Circle: Originally "Northwest Square," it was later renamed for James Logan, Penn's secretary. Fun fact: it's actually a circle, not a square – those tricky Quakers!
- Franklin Square: This one honors the one and only Ben Franklin. Just picture him flying a kite here, experimenting with electricity (not recommended!), or maybe just relaxing with a good book.
The Plot Twist: The Case of the Missing Square
There was originally a fifth square in the center of the grid, called Centre Square. But this ambitious square had bigger dreams. It eventually morphed into Penn Square and then became the home of the magnificent Philadelphia City Hall. So, while it didn't stay a leafy oasis, it definitely became the heart of the city!
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So there you have it, the lowdown on Philly's Fantastic Four (and the one that got away)! Now you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of squares and maybe even score a bonus point on a pub trivia night.
Frequently Asked Square-y Questions
Alright, alright, we know you might have some lingering square-related questions. Don't worry, we've got you covered:
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How to Relax in Philly's Squares? Find a comfy spot on a bench, spread out a blanket, and soak up the sun (or people-watch, if that's your thing).
How to Get to the Squares? Most squares are easily accessible by public transportation or on foot. If you're feeling fancy, you can even rent a bike and explore them all in a day!
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How to Avoid Getting Lost in Logan Circle? Just follow the sound of the beautiful Swann Memorial Fountain, and you'll be golden.
How to Have a Picnic in a Philly Square? Pack your favorite snacks, grab some friends or a good book, and find a shady spot. Easy peasy!
How to Appreciate Philly's Squares? Simply take a moment to admire these green havens in the middle of the city. They're a reminder of the importance of open spaces and, hey, they're pretty darn beautiful too!
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