Anthony Benezet (1713-1784)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Leading abolitionist in the 18th century, his writings influenced the antislavery movement worldwide and federal abolition legislation. A teacher and Quaker, he educated blacks in his home, 1750-70, and opened a secondary school for girls in 1754. He lived here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the crowded streets of colonial Philadelphia, a mild-mannered Quaker schoolteacher named Anthony Benezet quietly became one of the most influential abolitionists of his age. From this home he taught free and enslaved Black children in the 1750s and 60s, and in 1754 opened one of the era's earliest schools for girls—radical acts in a city where slavery was still ordinary. His tracts against the slave trade crossed the Atlantic, shaping antislavery thinkers in Britain and America alike.
Why it matters
Benezet helped turn scattered Quaker unease into an organized abolition movement, seeding arguments that would echo in later antislavery laws on both sides of the ocean.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Liberty Museumnearby · 321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
- Science History Institutenearby · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- New Hall Military Museumnearby · Philadelphia
- Benjamin Franklin Museumnearby
- Fragments of Franklin Courtnearby
- Portrait Gallery in the Second Banknearby · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Carpenters' Hallnearby · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United Statesnearby · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United Statesnearby · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.2 mi away
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
Food & drink
- Buddakannearby · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Socialnearby · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafenearby · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanicsnearby · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Menagerie Coffeenearby · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Forknearby · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotelnearby · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotelnearby · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.1 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.1 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.2 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Anthony Benezet
Themes & tags
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