The Salvation Army
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The first U.S. corps was opened here on Oxford St. by 17-year-old Eliza Shirley in 1879. She came from England, assigned by the founder, William Booth. This organization would become the largest private charity in the U.S., giving spiritual and social help to the needy.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1879 seventeen-year-old Eliza Shirley, newly arrived from England, opened the first U.S. corps of the Salvation Army on Oxford Street, carrying out a mission from the movement's founder, William Booth. What began with a teenager's storefront ministry to the poor grew into one of the largest charitable organizations in the country. From this Philadelphia beginning, the Army spread its blend of evangelism and social relief nationwide.
Why it matters
This modest start seeded a charity that would become a fixture of American social welfare, offering food, shelter, and aid to the needy for generations.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center1.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House1.6 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery1.6 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery1.6 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art1.7 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle0.7 mi away
- Philly Gun Range1.1 mi away · North Percy Street
- Elfreth's Alley1.5 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour1.6 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave1.6 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.7 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe1.7 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Bubble Tea Room1.7 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe1.7 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies1.7 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork1.8 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters1.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing1.6 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia1.6 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center1.6 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District1.6 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia1.6 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Sleep Inn Center City1.6 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Eliza Shirley
- · William Booth
Themes & tags
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