The fountain at the center of Franklin Square is believed to be one of the oldest fountains in the United States. It was installed in 1838.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
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A cyclist rides past the Franklin Square fountain shortly following the Chinese Lantern Festival in June 2017.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
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The view of Franklin Square and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from the Metro Club Condominiums.
Source/PhillyHistory.org
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Franklin Square, shown here in 1910, bordered the city's Tenderloin district in the early 20th century. The popular district was filled with pool halls, vaudeville theaters, two dime museums and brothels, and other entertainment options.
N.M. Rolston/PhillyHistory.Org
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The fountain at the center of Franklin Square, shown here in 1915, has served as the park's centerpiece since its installation in 1838.
Source/PhillyHistory.org
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A man drinks from a water fountain at Franklin Square in this photo from Nov. 12, 1914.
N.M. Rolston/PhillyHistory.org
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Workers putting in a sewer line at Franklin Square in 1915 discovered a number of gravestones. The First German Reformed Church used a portion of the square as a cemetery from 1741 to 1836.
Maurice D. Abuhove/PhillyHistory.org
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The north border of Franklin Square, shown here in 1931, included a number of buildings that are no longer standing. Today, the Vine Street Expressway is the square's northern border.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
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A family plays a round of miniature golf at Franklin Square in June 2017. The course was added to the park in 2006, when it was renovated to make it more attractive to tourists.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
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Isamu Noguchi's 'Bolt of Lightning' sculpture stands directly across from Franklin Square, at the base of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
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Franklin Square Station, located directly below Franklin Square, has been unused for the better part of its 81-year history. It may reopen in the coming years, however.
