Anthony Palmer (1664-1749)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Arriving in Philadelphia in 1705, Palmer established himself as a merchant. He served on provincial council and held several judicial posts. He became acting governor in 1748-1749 and used his diplomatic acumen to negotiate with the French, Spanish, and Native Americans. He worked with Benjamin Franklin to acquire the support and revenue to fortify and defend Pa. against raiding privateers. He founded the community of Kensington in the 1730s.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Anthony Palmer came to Philadelphia in 1705 and built a career as a merchant before rising through colonial government, serving on the provincial council and in judicial posts. He briefly held the colony's highest office as acting governor from 1748 to 1749, using diplomacy with the French, Spanish, and Native nations and working with Benjamin Franklin to fund defenses against coastal privateers. In the 1730s he founded the riverside community of Kensington, now part of Philadelphia.
Why it matters
Palmer's career illustrates how colonial Pennsylvania's merchant elite governed, defended, and expanded a young province on the eve of its revolutionary generation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Betsy Ross House1.7 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery1.7 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery1.7 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art1.7 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center1.7 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio1.8 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle0.5 mi away
- Philly Gun Range1.5 mi away · North Percy Street
- Elfreth's Alley1.6 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour1.8 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave1.8 mi away
- President's House2.0 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe1.8 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- 3J's Cafe1.9 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room1.9 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies1.9 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork1.9 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee1.9 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing1.6 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Penn's View Hotel1.8 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia House1.8 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District1.8 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels1.9 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia1.9 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Anthony Palmer
- · Benjamin Franklin
Related events
- · Founding of Kensington
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Penn Treaty Park
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1976
This riverside Philadelphia park marks the traditional site where William Penn is said to have met with the Lenape and other Native peoples to affirm peaceful relations. No signed document survives, but the memory of Penn's dealings became a founding legend of Pennsylvania's Quaker experiment. The city has kept the ground as a green space honoring that story.
Kensington Riots of 1844
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For three days in May 1844, the Kensington district erupted in the first of two riots that tore through Philadelphia that year, part of a national wave of Protestant nativist violence aimed at Irish Catholic immigrants. Dozens were killed or injured and more than thirty buildings were destroyed as local authorities failed to restore order. The chaos spurred lasting reforms, including the 1854 consolidation of the city, a unified police force, and the Catholic diocese's first parochial schools.
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