Philadelphia is the largest and historic city in Pennsylvania state. After the American Civil War, a large number of European and African American immigrants arrived in the town. In the late 19th Century, Philadelphia became a major industrial center and railroad hub. Major industries were the Baldwin Locomotive Works, William Cramp & Sons Ship and Engine Building Company, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. At the beginning of the 20th Century, Philadelphia had taken on a poor reputation as “Corrupt but content.” The political corruption was at its peak, and one official estimated that US$5 million was wasted each year from graft in the city’s infrastructure programs. Philadelphia began to modernize; several new fractures, including the City Hall, Roosevelt Boulevard, Benjamin Franklin Bridge and skyscrapers were built. In 1907, the city’s first subway was constructed.
Here below are some historical photographs of Philadelphia from the early 20th Century that show street scenes, cityscapes, and everyday life. Vote your favorites, and don’t forget to share.
I wish our buildings were as grand and glorious as these
It is unthinkable that the modern buildings would be built like these in the US today. Over the past 70 years, more than 95% of the buildings built in the US have been pure shit, even half decent buildings are rare. The places America builds now are absolutely atrocious; not only are they cheap, half-assed eyesores which make me envy the blind, but they are also built in nightmarish, car-infested suburban hellholes that make me want to throw up. It will never again be possible for our country to build awe-inspiring, memorable cities like New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans, Detroit, San Francisco, just to name a few. The modernists have ruined the US beyond repair.
Back to when America’s grand architecture style was the rule
It’s a damn shame that we destroyed so much historic beauty in this city.
awesome pictures
some clean sidewalks.