National Register Listing

Jefferson, Thomas, School

a.k.a. High School for International Affairs

1101--1125 N. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education
Audiobooks about the history of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania was home to the first all-volunteer firefighting company in America, which was established in Philadelphia in 1736.
Pennsylvania random facts
Philadelphia County, located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history that spans more than three centuries. Its history can be traced back to the late 17th century when William Penn founded the city of Philadelphia in 1682 as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony. The area, originally inhabited by indigenous Lenape people, quickly grew into a major center for trade, commerce, and governance.

During the 18th century, Philadelphia became a hotbed of political activity and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It was in Philadelphia that the Second Continental Congress met and adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The city also served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800, while Washington, D.C., was under construction.

In the 19th century, Philadelphia County experienced significant industrial growth, becoming a major center for manufacturing and transportation. The county’s location along the Delaware River made it an ideal hub for the shipping and textile industries. Immigrants from various countries, including Ireland, Italy, and Germany, flocked to Philadelphia in search of employment opportunities, leading to a demographic shift and cultural diversity within the county.

In the 20th century, Philadelphia County faced its fair share of challenges and underwent periods of economic decline. However, the city and county have since revitalized and reinvented themselves as a dynamic and thriving metropolis. Today, Philadelphia County is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and its role as a major center for education and healthcare.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1624 - Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey claims the area for the Dutch Republic
  • 1682 - William Penn founds the city of Philadelphia as the capital of the Pennsylvania colony
  • 1701 - Philadelphia becomes a separate county, known as Philadelphia County
  • 1774-1778 - Philadelphia serves as the temporary capital of the United States during the Revolutionary War
  • 1787 - Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) hosts the Constitutional Convention
  • 1800-1830 - Philadelphia experiences rapid industrial growth and becomes a major manufacturing center
  • 1844 - Consolidation Act merges Philadelphia City and Philadelphia County into a single governmental entity
  • 1861-1865 - Philadelphia supports the Union during the American Civil War
  • 1876 - Philadelphia hosts the Centennial Exposition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
  • 1901 - Philadelphia's population exceeds one million, becoming the third-largest city in the United States
  • 1952 - Independence National Historical Park is established, encompassing many key historic sites in Philadelphia
  • 1976 - Philadelphia celebrates the United States' Bicentennial with various events and festivities