Mathew Carey (1760-1839)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
An Irish Catholic who emigrated to Philadelphia in 1784, Carey was a prominent printer and publisher and prolific writer. He was an influential political economist and nationalist, promoting the purchase of American goods over imports, a strong central bank, and protective tariffs. He was a civic leader and a founder of the Hibernian Society (1793), which provided support and relief for Irish immigrants. His print shop was here, 1792-1813.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Mathew Carey emigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia in 1784 and built one of the young nation's most influential publishing houses, operating his print shop on this site for two decades. A prolific writer and political economist, he championed American manufacturing, protective tariffs, and a strong national bank. In 1793 he helped found the Hibernian Society, which aided newly arrived Irish immigrants.
Why it matters
Carey shaped early American economic thought and the print culture of the new republic while easing the path for the immigrants who followed him.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphianearby · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museumnearby · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Print Shopnearby · 320 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studionearby · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fragments of Franklin Courtnearby
- Benjamin Franklin Museumnearby
Attractions
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.2 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.2 mi away
- President's House0.2 mi away
Food & drink
- Bubble Tea Roomnearby · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafenearby · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Forknearby · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagiesnearby · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffeenearby · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanicsnearby · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.1 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.1 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.1 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.1 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.1 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.2 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Mathew Carey
Themes & tags
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