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1900s

    Market Street Bridge and the Schuylkill River, 1900
    Entering West Philadelphia in 1900

    In 1900, streetcars, carriages, and pedestrians shared the Market Street bridge across the Schuylkill River.

    Children pose next to construction equipment near the first constructed section of the Market Elevated.
    The First Section of the Market Elevated in West Philadelphia

    Children pose next to construction equipment near the first constructed section of the Market Elevated.

    Philadelphia Evening Ledger page illustrating the Market Elevated's impact on West Philadelphia's growth in 1914.
    Realty Values Bound When High-Speed Line Enters West Philadelphia

    The Philadelphia Evening Ledger illustrated the Market Elevated's impact on West Philadelphia's growth by juxtaposing a 1914 photograph of Market Street at 60th Street station with photographs of the area taken before the start of track construction in 1904.

    Philadelphia Evening Ledger page illustrating the Market Elevated's impact on West Philadelphia's growth in 1914.
    Social Impacts of the Market Street Elevated, 1900–1930

    From before its opening in 1907, the Market Street Elevated spurred tremendous construction and population growth in West Philadelphia.

    Woodside Park

    Woodside Park was an amusement park which thrilled Philadelphians with its attractions for almost 60 years.

    Children pose next to construction equipment near the first constructed section of the Market Elevated.
    Building the Market Street Elevated in West Philadelphia

    The Market Street Subway and Elevated opened in West Philadelphia in 1907, carrying commuters from three stations along the elevated line to 23rd Street, and from there underground to City Hall.

    Market Street Bridge and the Schuylkill River, 1900
    Electric Streetcars and The Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company

    At the turn of the last century, the privately formed Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company contracted with the city to build and operate the electrified Market Street Elevated (“The El”), with a component designated for West Philadelphia.