Benjamin Rush (1745-1813)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Physician, humanitarian, educator, patriot leader. He signed the Declaration of Independence, opposed slavery, and supported public health & social reforms. Known as "Father of American Psychiatry." His house of birth stood here until 1969.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Benjamin Rush, born on this Philadelphia site, was a physician, teacher, and reformer whose signature joined the Declaration of Independence. A tireless humanitarian, he spoke out against slavery and championed public health and social reform in the young republic. His pioneering study of mental illness earned him the lasting title "Father of American Psychiatry."
Why it matters
Rush embodies the Revolutionary generation's belief that independence and moral reform went hand in hand, shaping American medicine, education, and conscience for generations.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Illadelph Glass Gallery12.0 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House12.1 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery12.1 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art12.1 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center12.2 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio12.2 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle10.2 mi away
- Philly Gun Range11.9 mi away · North Percy Street
- Penguin Park Exhibit12.0 mi away
- Elfreth's Alley12.0 mi away
- Camden Children's Garden12.0 mi away
- Butterfly House12.0 mi away
Food & drink
- 3J's Cafe12.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room12.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies12.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork12.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee12.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics12.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing11.9 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Penn's View Hotel12.1 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia House12.1 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District12.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels12.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia12.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Benjamin Rush
Related events
- · Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Themes & tags
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