Fishtown

Fishtown’s history stretches back long before European settlement, originally inhabited by the Turtle Clan of the Lenape people, whom European settlers later referred to as the Delaware Tribe. The first European arrivals were six Swedish farming families, followed by British landowners, British shipbuilders, and German fishermen.

Originally a small section of Old Kensington, Fishtown was a compact riverside community extending roughly from Palmer Street north to Gunnar’s Run, and from the Delaware River to Moyer Street. Kensington itself was founded on just 191.5 acres, originally known as the Fairman Estate. Today, Penn Treaty Park marks the former site of the Fairman Mansion, which once stood in what is now the middle of Beach Street, just north of Columbia Avenue.

Kensington’s Founding and Early Development

Kensington was established in 1729 by Captain Anthony Palmer, an Englishman who had lived in Barbados. Using proceeds from the sale of his Hope Farm estate (modern-day Port Richmond), which included enslaved individuals named Abraham, Hannibal, and Phillis, Palmer purchased the Fairman Estate and began laying out the town. He sold parcels of land to local fishermen and shipbuilders, fueling the area’s development. Palmer later became active in Pennsylvania’s provincial council and briefly served as the colony’s acting governor in 1747–1748. He passed away in 1749 and was buried at Christ Church Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Palmer Cemetery, originally known as the Kensington Burial Grounds, was established around 1732 and remains an active burial site. The land was deeded to the community by the Palmer family after Anthony Palmer’s death. While the cemetery was likely in use as early as the town’s founding, the date of the first burial remains unknown.

Immigration and Cultural Shifts

Fishtown saw waves of immigration over the centuries. Early settlers were predominantly German, followed by large numbers of Polish and Irish Catholic immigrants in the late 19th century. The community built two Roman Catholic churches: St. Laurentius, founded by Polish immigrants, and Holy Name of Jesus, established by the Irish. Holy Name remains an active parish today, while St. Laurentius, after years of legal battles over its fate, was demolished in 2022 due to structural deterioration.

Throughout its history, Fishtown was a blue-collar community, home to generations of workers in various trades. Though the neighborhood suffered economically due to deindustrialization, many residents maintained stable working-class livelihoods. Historically, Fishtown was also one of the most segregated neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Between 1950 and 1970, less than 0.2% of the population was nonwhite. Even in 2013, Fishtown remained overwhelmingly white, with 96% of residents identifying as such. However, by 2024, the percentage of white residents had decreased to 86%, reflecting gradual demographic shifts.

Gentrification and Economic Growth

Since 2005, Fishtown has undergone rapid gentrification. Housing prices have risen significantly, and the neighborhood has seen an influx of artists, professionals, and entrepreneurs alongside its long-standing working-class residents, including police officers, firefighters, nurses, carpenters, and tradespeople. Upscale restaurants, bars, art galleries, and entertainment venues have transformed the area, making it one of the highest-income neighborhoods in Philadelphia by 2023.

The Controversy Over Rivers Casino

A defining debate in Fishtown’s recent history was the development of Rivers Casino Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino), built on Delaware Avenue near Frankford Avenue. The state’s decision to place the casino in Fishtown divided the community. Supporters argued it would create jobs and boost economic development, while opponents feared it would lead to increased crime, addiction, and other social issues. Ultimately, a Community Benefits Agreement was reached between the casino and local organizations, such as Fishtown Action and the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. This agreement provides funding for community projects that otherwise would not have been available to residents.

A Neighborhood in Transition

Fishtown’s evolution from a fishing village to a working-class hub and now a rapidly gentrifying cultural hotspot reflects the broader changes seen in Philadelphia. While some longtime residents lament the rising cost of living and shifting demographics, others embrace the revitalization of the neighborhood. With its mix of historical roots, artistic vibrancy, and economic transformation, Fishtown remains one of the city’s most dynamic and sought-after neighborhoods.