Passyunk Square

Passyunk Square is a South Philadelphia neighborhood bounded by Broad Street (west), 6th Street (east), Tasker Street (south), and Washington Avenue (north). It is surrounded by Bella Vista, Hawthorne, Central South Philadelphia, Wharton, and Point Breeze. The neighborhood’s name traces back to Passyunk Township, a Lenape-derived name from the 1800s. The area was formerly known as Columbus Square until the Passyunk Square Civic Association revived its historical name in 2003. Due to its large Vietnamese American community, it is often called Little Saigon, home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations on the East Coast.

History

Passyunk Square was once home to Lafayette Cemetery, established in 1828 between Federal & Wharton Streets and 9th & 10th Streets. Originally designed for 14,000 burials, it became overcrowded with 47,000 bodies before being condemned in 1946. The remains were relocated to Evergreen Memorial Park in Bensalem, and the former cemetery site is now Capitolo Playground.

Education

Passyunk Square is served by the School District of Philadelphia, including:

• Fanny Jackson Coppin School (K-8)

• Eliza Butler Kirkbride School (K-8)

• Furness High School (9-12)

Both Coppin and Kirkbride Schools are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shopping & Dining

Passyunk Square is best known for East Passyunk Avenue, a vibrant shopping and dining district featuring independent boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and service businesses. The southernmost part of the historic Italian Market also falls within the neighborhood’s boundaries.

With its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving commercial corridor, Passyunk Square remains one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and desirable neighborhoods.