Graffiti pier is the big draw for Philadelphia street art fans, but as access to that location gets harder, The Cliffs in Fairmount Park provides another, smaller place of interest.
Originally belonging to wealthy Philadelphia hat-maker Joshua Fisher, The Cliffs was built in 1753 as a summer getaway for his family. Here they could overlook the Schuylkill River, tend a modest farm and enjoy the simple life.
During the Revolutionary war, Benjamin Franklin’s daughter formed a sewing group at the house to make clothing and bandages for the Continental soldiers.
The house was unoccupied from 1970 and fell into disrepair. A fire in February 1986 entirely gutted the building, save for the chimneys and cinder block walls. Fire trucks were unable to get close to put it out due to the soft clay that had been dumped on the nearby ground to prevent fly tipping.
Know Before You Go
Access though Sedgley Woods Disc Golf on Reservoir Drive near 33rd Street. Can be a little claggy underfoot so don't go in open toed shoes. Despite the address, there is no access from Kelly Drive.
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