Colonial Germantown Historic District, National Historic Landmark district in Germantown and Mount Airy neighborhoods, Philadelphia, United States.
Colonial Germantown Historic District spreads along Germantown Avenue and includes about 113 acres with nearly 580 historic properties from early colonial times. The buildings show Colonial, Georgian, and Federal architectural styles that developed over two centuries of settlement.
German and Dutch settlers founded this community in 1683 after William Penn invited them to establish a new settlement. The area grew into a prosperous trading and craft center by the 1700s.
The neighborhood's name reflects its origins with settlers from the Rhineland who shaped its character. Walking through the streets, you can see how German building traditions and local customs left their mark on the architecture and layout of everyday spaces.
You can visit 19 historic houses and museums, many of which offer guided tours to help you understand their architecture and stories. It helps to wear comfortable shoes since you will spend time walking, and starting your visit in the morning gives you more daylight for exploring.
The first Bible printed in America in a European language was a German edition created here by Christoph Sauer in 1743. This achievement shows how settlers kept their language and religious traditions alive in this new colony.
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