Have you ever wondered what the streets of Philadelphia looked like during the colonial and Revolutionary days? I know that I always have, especially after becoming OBSESSED with the show Turn, which is now on Netflix. Well, there’s one street in particular in the city of Philadelphia that allows guests to travel back in time. Come with me to visit the Elfreth Alley!

History.

In the original plans of the city of Philadelphia, you couldn’t find the Elfreth Alley. That’s because it exist until two property owners opened a path for carts between their two places and thus created the alley. It served as an alternate route for tradesman to get to the water. The name, Elfreth Alley, got its name from a blacksmith and land developer in the area named Jeremiah Elfreth. 

The Look.

The alley has seen over 300 years of history as it was created in 1703 but the houses didn’t begin to be constructed until 1720. Still, this makes Elfreth Alley the oldest continually inhabited street in the United States. Each house is an actual residence and is maintained lovingly to preserve the original colonial aesthetic of the 18th century during American colonial days.

Learning.

Travelers can visit the Elfreth Alley Museum on the weekends and the price for entrance is modest, especially for children under seven who are can visit for free. There’s also events every so often like walking tours and pop up flea markets. For those who are especially interested in this cool, little, part of town the Elfreth Alley website has a blog and also a podcast.