Fishtown Architectural and Archeological Industrial Survey

This survey was conducted by members of the Philadelphia Historical Commission in 1988-89, and sought to document the historical industrial development and legacy of the Fishtown community of Philadelphia. This project was originally intended as a pilot program preceding the planned survey and documentation of industrial sites throughout the city, and focused on the Fishtown neighborhood because its development was thought to closely parallel the industrial growth of Philadelphia in general. Unfortunately, no similar follow-up surveys were ever conducted, and this bold project was never fully realized.

The Fishtown survey eventually investigated some 190 industrial sites dating from the period of earliest settlement through the 20th century. Of this total, 55 sites were intensively researched, documented, and determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The survey also determined that Fishtown, as a whole, met the criteria for it to be considered a National Register-eligible historic district.

Additional Resources

• Fishtown Survey Part 1 [pdf]
• Fishtown Survey Part 2 [pdf]