Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The oldest governing body of amateur athletics in America was established in 1858. Rowing club members have participated in competitions at local, national, and international levels. Three-time Olympic gold medalist John B. Kelly Sr. served as commodore, 1935-1940. It hosts some of the largest regattas in the world on the Schuylkill River, one of the nation's premier courses. Boathouse Row here is an icon of Philadelphia and of rowing.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Established in 1858 along the Schuylkill River, the Schuylkill Navy is the oldest governing body of amateur athletics in America, a federation of rowing clubs whose members have competed from local regattas to the Olympic Games. Three-time Olympic gold medalist John B. Kelly Sr. served as its commodore in the 1930s. Its picturesque Boathouse Row has become an enduring symbol of Philadelphia and of the sport of rowing itself.
Why it matters
As the birthplace of organized amateur athletics in the United States, the Schuylkill Navy helped define the American ideal of the amateur sportsman and made the Schuylkill one of the world's premier rowing courses.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.1 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center2.2 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.3 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer2.3 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall2.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Rocky Steps0.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo0.5 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge0.6 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.0 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.3 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck1.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King2.2 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.2 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe2.2 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'2.2 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca2.2 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market2.2 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia1.7 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center1.7 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- The Notary Hotel1.7 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City1.7 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA1.8 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown1.8 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John B. Kelly Sr.
Themes & tags
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