David Salisbury Franks (c.1740-1793)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Distinguished Jewish officer and aide-de-camp to Gen. Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War. Thought to be complicit in Arnold's treason, Maj. Franks was later exonerated. A yellow fever victim, he was buried at Christ Church by a Christian neighbor.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
David Salisbury Franks was among the small number of Jewish officers to serve the American cause during the Revolution, rising to major and serving as aide-de-camp to General Benedict Arnold. When Arnold's treason was exposed, suspicion inevitably fell on the men closest to him, and Franks endured investigation before being formally cleared and going on to diplomatic service. He died in Philadelphia's 1793 yellow fever epidemic and, having no coreligionists to bury him, was laid to rest at Christ Church by a Christian neighbor.
Why it matters
His story threads together religious diversity in the Revolutionary ranks and the human wreckage of Arnold's betrayal, reminding us that loyalty was often proven only after it was doubted.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Centernearby · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.1 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.1 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History0.2 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Print Shop0.2 mi away · 320 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Benjamin Franklin Gravenearby
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tournearby
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafenearby · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.2 mi away
- Bubble Tea Room0.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic Districtnearby · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.2 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.3 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.3 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.3 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · David Salisbury Franks
- · Benedict Arnold
Related events
- · American Revolutionary War
- · Arnold's treason
- · 1793 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic
Themes & tags
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