Dr. George Smith
Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A doctor, judge, scientist, and State Senator, Smith came to Collenbrook in 1829 upon his marriage to Mary Lewis, heir to this eighteenth-century family estate. He was a founder of the Delaware County Institute of Science and author of the 1862 "History of Delaware County." While a Senator, as chairman of the Education Committee, he drafted the 1836 law providing for this State's first public school code.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
George Smith wore many hats—physician, judge, scientist, and state senator—settling at the Collenbrook estate in 1829. He helped found the Delaware County Institute of Science and wrote its first county history in 1862. As chairman of the Senate's Education Committee, he drafted the landmark 1836 law that created Pennsylvania's first public school code.
Why it matters
Smith's 1836 school code helped launch tax-supported public education in Pennsylvania, part of the broader American movement to make schooling a public right rather than a private privilege.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer8.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia9.0 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall9.0 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center9.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall9.1 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center9.1 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand5.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo6.8 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge6.9 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir7.1 mi away
- Rocky Steps7.5 mi away
- The Universal Sphere8.0 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe8.9 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory8.9 mi away
- Burger King8.9 mi away
- Talula's Garden8.9 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily8.9 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon8.9 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City8.3 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City8.3 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express8.4 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites8.4 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City8.4 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel8.4 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · George Smith
- · Mary Lewis
Related events
- · Pennsylvania public school code of 1836
Themes & tags
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