Benjamin Franklin’s Green Legacy for Philly

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Visit Philadelphia. The opinions and text are all mine.

Benjamin Franklin’s birthday may have just passed on January 17th, but we’re always remembering the Founding Father as we galavant across the city with constant reminders.

Benjamin Franklin’s claims to infamy in Philadelphia tend to be historically related: signing the Declaration of Independence, frequenting Christ Church, Masonic Temple & more. But did you know Ben influenced much of Philadelphia’s green scene?

Benjamin may not have founded recycling or bike lanes, but he did have a few impacts. Let’s revisit a few of them:

• John & William Bartram resided once on the present-day West Philadelphia gem Bartram’s Garden. This popular botanical garden is where the father and son pair gathered plant specimens including the Franklinia alatamaha tree, named for our favorite Declaration signer. Franklin supported many of the expeditions which impacted our local modern day horticultural. You can check out Bartram’s for yourself at 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard.
• Ben Franklin was the ultimate crowdsourcer when he established the Library Company of Philadelphia. Books were rare and expensive in the colonies, so he formed the shared resource that became the predecessor of modern day libraries we know and love. He definitely inspired us to reuse our favorite books again and again. (1314 Locust Street)
• One of our favorite parks, Franklin Square was named after Ben too. Original city planners designed the city around public green spaces, in which Franklin Square was one of five. Visitors can enjoy a carousel, mini-golf course and food court in one of our many public green spaces in the city. (6th & Vine)
• One of our favorite locavores, Yards Brewery, created Ales of the Revolution in 2003. The beers were inspired by recipes from some of our country’s founding homebrewers including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and, you guessed it: Benjamin Franklin. Ben’s image continues to appear on the label, too:

• As Ben’s namesake bridge connects us across the river, more and more greenspace is popping up along the waterfront. We can’t help but reflect on the gorgeous greenery of the Race Street Pier with our founding father’s bridge in the background:

Readers, what greenspiration did Benjamin Franklin leave behind for you?

Ben Franklin is Philadelphia’s favorite founding father.  To evoke Ben’s wit, wisdom and joy year-round, visit his longtime home of Philadelphia. Learn more at visitphilly.com/Ben