Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The elder brother of Napoleon and deposed king of Naples & Spain lived here, 1815,-1816. The house was built about 1813. During Joseph's occupancy here, this was a gathering place for Bonapartist refugees & other French nationals.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
For a year or so after 1815, this Philadelphia house sheltered Joseph Bonaparte — Napoleon's elder brother and the deposed king of Naples and later Spain — as he began his long American exile following the collapse of the Napoleonic empire. In these rooms gathered Bonapartist refugees and French émigrés, a small colony of the defeated regime finding footing in the young republic. Joseph would go on to build a grand estate at Point Breeze in New Jersey and live in America for years before returning to Europe.
Why it matters
His presence made Philadelphia a haven for European political exiles and reflects the young republic's role as a refuge in the turbulent aftermath of the Napoleonic wars.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.2 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.3 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.4 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.4 mi away · PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Old City Hall0.4 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- Liberty Bell0.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.4 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.5 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Reading Terminal0.5 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.2 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.2 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.2 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.2 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.2 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.2 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotel0.1 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.2 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.3 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.4 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
- ROOST East Market0.4 mi away
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Joseph Bonaparte
- · Napoleon Bonaparte
Themes & tags
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