Robert Aitken (1734-1802)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
An influential revolutionary-era printer, he operated a shop on this block. In 1782, Aitken printed the nation's first complete English Bible. It received endorsement from Congress, and was the only new Bible available to colonists due to printing restrictions and import embargoes. He also published the Journals of Congress, its official proceedings, and The Pennsylvania Magazine which introduced the writings of Thomas Paine to America.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the tense years around American independence, printing was a political act—and Robert Aitken's Philadelphia shop sat at the center of it. In 1782 he produced the first complete English-language Bible printed in the new United States, a feat made possible by wartime import embargoes that cut off British editions, and notable enough to win an endorsement from Congress. Aitken also printed the official Journals of Congress and, through The Pennsylvania Magazine, first carried Thomas Paine's electrifying prose to American readers.
Why it matters
Aitken's press helped a young nation speak in its own voice, from sacred scripture to the revolutionary pamphleteering that stirred a people toward independence.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.1 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.1 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.2 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio0.2 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of the American Revolution0.2 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museum0.2 mi away · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- Elfreth's Alley0.2 mi away
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Penn's View Hotelnearby · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia Housenearby · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.1 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.2 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.2 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Robert Aitken
- · Thomas Paine
Themes & tags
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