Cyrus Bustill (1732-1806)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born of White, Black, and Native American descent, he bought his freedom and became a baker of bread for Revolutionary troops. A founder of the Free African Society, he later opened a school for Black children while living here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Born in 1732 of White, Black, and Native American ancestry, Cyrus Bustill bought his own freedom and baked bread for Revolutionary War troops during the struggle for American independence. He became a founder of the Free African Society, one of the earliest Black mutual-aid organizations in the nation, and later opened a school for Black children near this site. His life spanned enslavement, revolution, and the first stirrings of organized Black community building in Philadelphia.
Why it matters
Bustill stands among the founding figures of free Black institutional life in America, linking the Revolution's ideals to the fight for Black education and self-help.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Illadelph Glass Gallerynearby · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallerynearby · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross Housenearby · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Artnearby · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio0.1 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museum0.2 mi away · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Elfreth's Alleynearby
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.2 mi away
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.3 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
Food & drink
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room0.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- The Philadelphia Housenearby · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.1 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.2 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Cyrus Bustill
Related events
- · American Revolution
Themes & tags
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