Thomas E. Cahill (1828-1878)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Entrepreneur and philanthropist who bequeathed the bulk of his estate to establish Roman Catholic High School for Boys, the first free Catholic high school in the US. Founded here in 1890, the school initiated a diocesan high school system that became a model throughout the nation. Coming from a poor immigrant family, Cahill sought to provide young men from similar backgrounds with the secondary education denied him.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Thomas E. Cahill rose from a poor immigrant family and, denied a secondary education himself, resolved that others would not be. His bequest founded Roman Catholic High School for Boys, which opened in Philadelphia in 1890 as the first free Catholic high school in the United States. The school became the seed of a diocesan high-school system that spread as a model across the country.
Why it matters
Cahill's gift opened the door to free secondary education for Catholic and immigrant youth, shaping the nation's parochial school movement.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.8 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.5 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.5 mi away
- Philly Gun Range0.5 mi away · North Percy Street
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King0.7 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.7 mi away
- Dunkin'0.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe0.8 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.8 mi away
- Time & Peace0.8 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.2 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.3 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.4 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City0.4 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Thomas E. Cahill
Themes & tags
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