1689

Just a few years after Philadelphia’s official founding, Dr. Thomas Wynne purchased 5,000 acres from William Penn and built a one-room farmhouse called Wynnestay. Its big claim to fame is that it is the oldest stone-built residential home in the state of Pennsylvania and thereby Philly. Today, the home includes an addition that was built in 1904.

1698-1700

Before Philadelphia or Pennsylvania even existed, there was New Sweden, a Swedish colony established along the Delaware River in what is now South Philly. Gloria Dei Church (also known as Olde Swedes’) was a byproduct of the colony, and it is now the oldest church in the city and state—and the only remaining structure built by Swedish settlers.

1707

The 1707 Rittenhouse Homestead actually dates back to 1690, when the namesake family established the first paper mill in British North America right along the Wissahickon Creek. The Rittenhouse’s eventually built up the area, creating the Rittenhouse Homestead that at one point featured 40 structures on 125 acres of land. The stone homes and buildings are now part of Fairmount Park.

1713-15

Although it is now located in West Fairmount Park, the Letitia Street House was originally built on its namesake street along the Delaware River waterfront. Its connection to William Penn has since been refuted, but the brick home, laid in Flemish bond, is still one of the oldest buildings in the city and has since been restored by the city after falling into disrepair. In 2018, it received preservation award for the restoration project.

1714-29

Bel Air is one of the early Georgian-style country seats that is rumored to have been built for Samuel Preston, one of Philly’s first mayors. Inside, the walls are covered in maple wood paneling. Today, Bel Air is located within FDR Park. 

1720

It’s no surprise that the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America is home to some of the oldest residences in the city. As the story goes, Elfreth’s Alley was created in 1703 by two owners who wanted to have a cartway to the rear of their respective lots. The oldest houses date back to 1720, and over the course of their long history have been home to craftsmen, bakers, and merchants.

1728

Stenton Mansion is one of the finest examples of early Georgian architecture in Philadelphia and was built by fur trader and Quaker James Logan. John Andrew Gallery writes in his architecture guide, “[...] his manor house reflects the influence of Quaker plainness on the Georgian style, particularly in the restrained use of ornament.” Today it has been restored and functions as a house museum.

c. 1730

Also known as the Bensell-Billmeyer House, this National Historic Landmark in Germantown is actually two homes under one roof. Hans George Bensell bought this property in 1727 and soon after built the two stone homes. Rumor has it that George Washington ordered the Battle of Germantown attack on the British-occupied Chew House from these very steps.