Here’s Why Philadelphia Is Considered A City Of Firsts

Philadelphia was the United States’ first capital, before Washington D.C. However, this is not the city’s only “first.” Philadelphia is a city of many firsts, from markets to schools. Here’s why Philadelphia is considered a city of firsts.

1. First zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo, built in 1859, is the nation’s first zoo. It continues to seek to educate visitors on the various animals they house and on the importance of conservation for our future generations.

2. First bank

The first bank of the United States was formed in 1791. It was championed by the secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton and the building still stands on 3^rd Street in Philadelphia.

3. First art school

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, or PAFA, was the first art museum and school in the United States. Established in 1810, the school and the museum is still a destination for artists from around the world.

4. First African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mother Bethel AME Church was built in 1890 and became the first African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church still stands today and worship services are still held.

5. First farmer’s market

Reading Terminal Market, established in 1892, was the first farmer’s market in the United States. It still functions as a farmers market today and some of the same vendors that were there at the start are going strong today.

6. First residential street

Elfreth’s Alley was our nation’s first residential street. To this day, there are inhabitants, and a couple of the houses have been turned into a museum about the history of the street.

7. First mint

The first United States Mint was built in Philadelphia in 1792 since the city was the United States capital at the time. The current location is the city’s fourth mint building and there are mints across the country.

8. First children’s hospital

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, established in 1855, is the United States’ first hospital geared towards the care of children. Today, CHOP still helps children by caring for them and by doing groundbreaking research.

9. First University

The University of Pennsylvania, or UPenn, was established in 1740 and is the first university of the United States. Today, it is still in use and is an Ivy League research university.

10. First Thanksgiving Day Parade

Philadelphia held the city’s, and the nation’s, first Thanksgiving Day parade in 1920. It is still held annually and features bands floats, and balloons.