Crescent Boat Club

The Crescent Boat Club is a rowing facility housed in a brick and stucco building at number 5 Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. The structure contains training areas, boat storage, and common spaces for members to gather and prepare for competitions.

The club came into being in 1867 through a merger of the Pickwick and Iona clubs and constructed its current building between 1869 and 1871. This early period established it as a major rowing institution in the region.

The club supports multiple rowing programs, including training sessions for Thomas Jefferson University teams and developmental camps for young athletes.

Visiting is best during fair weather when rowers are active and the activity along the row is most visible. The riverside location makes it possible to observe boats and training from the shoreline.

The club was among the first organized rowing clubs in America and helped set standards that other clubs later adopted. Its role in shaping early organized rowing in the country is frequently overlooked by casual visitors.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1867

Part of: Boathouse Row

Website: https://crescentboatclub.org

GPS coordinates: 39.96930,-75.18650

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41