National Register of Historic Places

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Listed
December 22, 1999
Type
District
Period
Listed
Ref No.
99001579

About this property

The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was a United States Navy shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded as a commercial operation in 1776, it became the Navy's first yard in 1801, and was historically important for nearly two centuries. Construction of the original Philadelphia Naval Shipyard began during the American Revolution at Front and Federal Streets in what is now the Pennsport section of Philadelphia. In 1871, it was replaced by a new, much larger yard developed around facilities on League Island, at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. The Navy Yard expansion stimulated the development over time of residences and businesses in South Philadelphia, where many shipyard workers lived. During World War II, some 40,000 workers operated on shifts around the clock to produce and repair ships at the yard for the war effort. The U.S. Navy ended most of its activities at the shipyard in the 1990s, closing the base after recommendations by the Base Realignment and Closure commission. In 2000, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, acquired it and began to redevelop the land. First called Philadelphia Naval Business Center, it is now known as The Navy Yard. It is a large mixed-use campus where nearly 15,000 people are employed by more than 120 companies representing a mix of industries, including cell therapy production facilities, global fashion companies, and a commercial shipyard. The U.S. Navy still operates a Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility and a few engineering activities at the site.

Location

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
39.89169, -75.17034

Categories

MILITARYARCHITECTUREENGINEERING
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Overview
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The Land
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Geology
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Conflict & War
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The Civil War
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The Soldiers
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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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The Community
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Rivers & Rail
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Notable People
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Finds & Access
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Literature
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Spotlight
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Nearby Historic Sites

Marine Barracks
Civil War
0.2 mi
Commandant's Quarters
Industrial
0.5 mi
Bregy, F. Amadee, School
Industrial
1.6 mi
Fell, D. Newlin, School
Industrial
1.7 mi
Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot
Early Republic
2 mi

Nearby Battles

Fort Mercer (Battle of Red Bank)
1777Revolutionary War
1.3 mi
Fort Mercer (Red Bank) – Second Assault
1777Revolutionary War
1.3 mi
Battle of Red Bank (Fort Mercer 1777)
1777Revolutionary War
1.5 mi
Battle of Red Bank (Fort Mercer)
1777Revolutionary War
1.7 mi
Battle of Fort Mercer (Red Bank)
1777Revolutionary War
2 mi

Questions about this property

When was Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District listed on the National Register?

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 22, 1999.

What type of historic resource is Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District?

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District is classified as a district in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District?

The period of significance for Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District is recorded as the listed era.

Can I research the history near Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District?

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