Henry George
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The famous American economist was born here, September 2, 1839. His book "Progress and Poverty" sold in the millions. Tax socially produced land values, he urged, instead of individually produced labor and capital. He died 1897 in New York.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The economist Henry George was born on this Philadelphia spot on September 2, 1839, and went on to write "Progress and Poverty," a book that sold in the millions and made him one of the most widely read thinkers of the Gilded Age. He argued that society should tax the value of land — a value the community creates — rather than the fruits of individual labor and capital. His "single tax" ideas sparked reform movements at home and abroad before his death in New York in 1897.
Why it matters
It marks the birthplace of a reformer whose critique of wealth and land captured the anxieties of industrial America and influenced generations of debate over inequality.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.4 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House0.5 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Congress Hall0.5 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.5 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.6 mi away · PA
- Old City Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- Italian market0.4 mi away · Christian Street
- Liberty Bell0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.6 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.6 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.6 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.6 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.3 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.3 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.4 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.4 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.4 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.4 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.2 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.3 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.4 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.4 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.4 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Henry George
Themes & tags
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