Robert Patterson (1743-1824)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Professor, chair of mathematics dept. and vice-provost at University of Pennsylvania, 1799-1814. Tutored Meriwether Lewis in navigation skills to prepare for Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1803-1806. Resided here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Robert Patterson chaired mathematics and served as vice-provost at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1800s, a respected man of science in the young republic. In 1803 he tutored Meriwether Lewis in the celestial navigation and surveying skills the explorer would need to chart the unknown West. From this home Patterson helped equip the Lewis and Clark Expedition with the mathematical tools of discovery.
Why it matters
Patterson's quiet instruction placed Philadelphia's scientific learning at the heart of the nation's most famous expedition, linking the classroom to the continental journey west.
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
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.3 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.3 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.3 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.2 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- President's House0.3 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.4 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Burger Kingnearby
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.1 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.1 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market0.2 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar0.2 mi away
Places to stay
- AKA Washington Square0.1 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.2 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- ROOST East Market0.2 mi away
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Sleep Inn Center City0.3 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Robert Patterson
- · Meriwether Lewis
Related events
- · Lewis and Clark Expedition
Themes & tags
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