William White became the first consecrated bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of America during the American Revolutionary War. He was the rector of the historic Christ and St. Peter's Churches—a very public and important position for the era. White then went on to become the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania. The Bishop was a beloved Philadelphia figure, in large part due to his charitable church work. His Federal style home was built in 1787 and stands today in Independence Park at the nexus of Old City Philadelphia. Around 150 books from the bishop's personal library are on display along with his original bed and personal affects. George Washington dined here in November of 1798. The home was White's abode until his death in 1811.
Logan Circle features some of the most exquisite flower beds in Philadelphia. Swann Memorial Fountain is a spectacular feature of this circle. In summer, children play in the fountain while adults take a break on the benches. Northwest Square was one of Penn's original city squares and was once used as a burial ground. The last public execution was held in this square in 1823 and two years later, it was renamed for James Logan. In the 1840s, it became illegal for livestock or wagons to enter this area. Hillocks were eventually leveled and graves were moved to other locations. When the Parkway was built in 1925, the fountain was added and Logan Square became Logan Circle.
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The only monument dedicated to honor the memories of unknown Revolutionary War soldiers was originally used as a Potter's Field, where the poor and indigent were buried. Although Philadelphia is not known as a battleground, this section of Washington Square became the final resting place of thousands of soldiers as the barracks near the Square received the sick, wounded and dying of the war. By 1825 the site was no longer used as a cemetery and in 1954 a memorial honoring George Washington and an Unknown Soldier was erected.
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One of the more picturesque views in Philadelphia can be found by gazing at the string of buildings known as Boathouse Row, along Kelly Drive, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. Delightfully illuminated at night by an outline of white lights, the houses were built for the city's rowing clubs in the late 19th century, many by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, and have been captured in painting by renowned artist Thomas Eakins. Walkers, joggers and bikers are treated to a visual delight daily by the Fairmont Park institution.
