Robert Smith
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Here stood the home of colonial Philadelphia's leading architect and builder. Born Jan. 14, 1722 at Dalkeith, Scotland, he died Feb. 11, 1777. Among his buildings are the Christ Church steeple, St. Peter's Church, the Walnut Street Prison, and Carpenters' Hall.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Robert Smith, born in Scotland in 1722, became colonial Philadelphia's most accomplished architect and builder, shaping the skyline of the young city. His hand is visible in some of the era's most enduring structures, including the soaring steeple of Christ Church, St. Peter's Church, and Carpenters' Hall, where the First Continental Congress would gather. He died in 1777 as the Revolution he helped house in brick and timber unfolded.
Why it matters
Smith's buildings gave physical form to colonial and Revolutionary Philadelphia, and his craftsmanship endures as some of early America's finest architecture.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.2 mi away
- Hill-Physick House0.3 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Powel House0.3 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.4 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.5 mi away
- Museum of the American Revolution0.5 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- USS Becuna0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.4 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- First Bank of the United States0.5 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.5 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.6 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.4 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.6 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.6 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.6 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Red Owl Tavern0.6 mi away · 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.6 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.4 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing0.4 mi away · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.5 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.5 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.5 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.6 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Robert Smith
Themes & tags
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