These 14 Photos Of Philadelphia From The Early 1900S Are Beyond Fascinating

There’s no question that Philadelphia has some of the best history in the country. From the founding of our very nation, to early 20th century innovation, and even modern art – there’s a little bit of Philly history in everything we do. Take a look at some of these photos from the early 1900s in Philadelphia and see if you can spot landmarks that are still standing.

Wanamakers looks a little smaller in this 1901 photo! The world’s largest organ was purchased for this building and installed in 1909.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcc01403

This classic trolley car was built in Wilmington, and this photo shows it in action in 1902. Do you still take the trolleys?

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcsm00066a

This warehouse on Race Street Pier dated back to 1705! Judging by the stars on the flag, this photo was taken between 1908 and 1912. This salthouse was one of the first buildings on the Delaware waterfront.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcc00344

Would you have recognized the Walnut Lane Bridge? This photo is from sometime between 1908-1920.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcp00591

On Oct 9, 1908, this horse-drawn float depiected the arrival of William Penn at the Historical Day Parade.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcp00517

Here’s William Penn, standing tall above City Hall in 1900.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcc01278

From the top of City Hall in 1900, you could see Reading Terminal, the Delaware River, and the Camden Waterfront.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcc01277

Do you recognize this view? This is what you’d see if you looked northwest from the top of City Hall in 1907.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcp01056

In 1919, it started looking a little different. Can you even imagine Philadelphia without the Parkway?

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcp01057

The First Mint of the United States was still standing on 7th and Arch in 1908!

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcc00697

Here’s a scene we still see every day - a blustery moment Rittenhouse Square in the roarin’ twenties.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcp00975

Here’s another one of the area’s famous historic trolleys. This one is traveling the Doylestown line in 1908.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcsm00065

The Wagner Free Institute of Science was home to the first branch of the Philadelphia Public Library, which opened in 1892. Here’s a scene of Philadelphians participating in a program in 1907.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcf00306

Penn National Bank stood at Market and 7th Streets from 1884 until it was demolished in 1974. Here’s what that corner looked like in 1902.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Item Number: pdcp00718

Some of these photos of Philadelphia are some of the oldest that have ever been taken! I can’t stop looking at the picture of the Parkway before it existed! It’s hard to imagine Philadelphia without our iconic landmarks, like the Eakins Oval and Rocky Steps.