Kelpius Community
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1694, German mystic Johannes Kelpius and his followers established a community near here in response to William Penn's offer of religious freedom. Members of the "Hermits of the Wissahickon" produced poetry and music, practiced astronomy and botany, and made an early pipe organ, as they awaited the millenium. They welcomed all ethnic groups and Native Americans. The community gradually dissolved after Kelpius died in 1708.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1694 the German mystic Johannes Kelpius led a band of learned followers to the banks of the Wissahickon, drawn by William Penn's promise of religious liberty. Known as the "Hermits of the Wissahickon," they wrote poetry and music, studied the stars and plants, built one of the colonies' early pipe organs, and waited for the millennium they believed near. Notably tolerant for their age, they welcomed people of every background, including Native Americans, until the community faded after Kelpius's death in 1708.
Why it matters
The Kelpius community shows how Penn's experiment in religious freedom drew Europe's spiritual seekers to Pennsylvania, seeding the colony's enduring reputation as a refuge for the unconventional.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia5.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center5.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center5.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House5.8 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center5.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia5.9 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.0 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo3.7 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.3 mi away
- American Bandstand4.7 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle4.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King5.7 mi away
- Dunkin'5.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe5.8 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Philly Pretzel Factory5.8 mi away
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters5.8 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe5.8 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia5.2 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center5.3 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia5.4 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA5.4 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel5.4 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City5.4 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Johannes Kelpius
- · William Penn
Themes & tags
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