Embedded Files
The residents of Fishtown were asked about certain landmarks and markings they feel need to be included that socially and culturally makes up the neighborhood. These are Fishtown and Philadelphia landmarks that are significant to the residents, included in the Mural.
Notable Landmarks
Notable Landmarks
Penn Treaty Park
Penn Treaty Park, a historic landmark, is small park, located on the western bank of the Delaware River. During the late 17th century, Pennsylvania founder William Penn signed a treaty of peace with the local Lenape tribe under an elm tree. The tree fell in a storm, but in the late 19th century, the Penn Treaty Park officially opened.
Today, a statue of William Penn is seen, and it is a hotspot for picnics, dog walkers, and special events including Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Palmer Cemetery
Founded in 1732 by Captain Anthony Palmer, the Palmer cemetery celebrates the origin of Fishtown. Fishtown was a part of Kensington’s borders, until the 19th century. Because of this, the Palmer Cemetery was originally called the Kensington Burial Ground, named after Captain Anthony Palmer who was an acting Governor of PA in 1747.
Famous inhabitants of this cemetery include Emmanuel Eyre, John Hewson, and soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
St. Laurentius Parish Church
Built in 1882 with donations from Polish immigrants, this building was a beloved Roman Catholic church in the heart of Fishtown that faced a tragic end. In March of 2014, the Church had faced structural issues and officially closed down. Plans of demolishing the buildings were ready to take effect, and in late 2022 to early 2023, the Church was officially demolished.
Two Robbers Brewery
Two Robbers Brewery specializes in creating category-defining canned cocktails, focusing on its quality, taste, and design. The brand launched in 2019.
Their menu includes Two Robbers Smash Burger, a Caesar salad, and a Pub Burger. Positive reviews continue to flood the brewery to today!
Row Homes
Row homes are single-family houses that share common walls with neighboring houses, typically designed with brick exterior walls. These types of houses surround the city. When William Penn designed Philadelphia, he prioritized grid-like streets, and thus, row houses were the best fit. It became the dominant housing style during mid 1700s.
Various Philadelphia Teams Sports
Philadelphia is home to many iconic teams and residents take pride in their team sports. In 2025, when the Eagles won the Super Bowl, a parade was held throughout Broad St. Passionate fans uprooted a streetlight, climbing up poles in celebration of the Eagles' victory.
Characters wearing merch and mascots of Philadelphia’s team sports were created to honor this pride in the mural.
Delaware River
The longest free-flowing river on the East Coast initiated the founding of Fishtown. Fishtown began on water near the Delaware River, where the Leni-Lenape tribe became intrigued by the bounty of shadfish. This prompted the flourishing beginnings of Fishtown. The river houses many species of fish outside and within the river.
Meet the Characters!
Meet the Characters!
Students were asked the question, “What makes Philadelphia different from other cities?” to accelerate their creativity and inspiration that led to the development of their own unique characters.
USS Alligator
When thinking about United States history, the USS Alligator submarine was one that needed to be included. The USS Alligator was the first Navy submarine ever built, and was used in the Civil War. In this mural, the submarine has been transformed into a mechanical alligator, featuring a periscope and a porthole for an eye.
Rocky Bloboa
An homage to the iconic Philly-based film character Rocky Balboa, this blobfish wears his boxing gear atop a Fishtown rowhome.
Tamenend the Turtle
This interpretation of Chielf Tamanend, depicted as a turtle, was inspired by the statue of Tamenend on Front St and Market St.Chief Tamanend was the leader of the Lenni-Lenape tribe. His statue contains an eagle, signifying the "friendship treaty" between William Penn and the tribe, and a turtle, representing the Turtle Island creation story present in many Indigenous traditions.
William Finn
William Finn is a play on words for Pennsylvania’s own founding father, William Penn. During the 17th century, King Charles II granted a charter to Penn to settle a debt owed to his father.
Keeping the theme of “Fish”-town, the silly character William Finn was then founded, created, and finalized.
Murals
Murals
You Can Be Stronger Than Diabetes
You Can Be Stronger Than Diabetes
The You Can Be Stronger Than Diabetes mural by Kristin Groenveld (in collaboration with GSK and Mural Arts) is located in Fishtown, an area where diabetes was the highest in the city for people 18 years or under. The mural serves as an awareness about diabetes and nutrition.
The mural was made as a result of Fishtown residents, and Groenveld’s own experience with diabetes, leading to a design of a fish out of fruits and vegetables. This mural shows the importance of healthy eating habits against diabetes.
Persistence
Persistence
Created by artist Jason Andrew Turner, the Persistence mural was painted to the mural to honor the past, present, and future women of Fishtown’s Settlement House. The portrait depicts an individual inspired by the community of the neighborhood, and the history. The mural project was a collaboration with Mural Arts in 2019.
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