US Sanitary Commission Great Central Fair
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Held at Logan Square from June 7"“28, 1864, this event raised more than one million dollars for the Union cause during the Civil War. Formed to coordinate efforts of women volunteering to support the war effort, the Commission gave relief and comfort to soldiers and their families. In his only official public appearance in Philadelphia, President Abraham Lincoln addressed the crowd on June 16, praising the important work of the organization.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
For three weeks in June 1864, Logan Square filled with exhibits, goods, and crowds as the U.S. Sanitary Commission's Great Central Fair raised more than a million dollars for Union soldiers and their families. The Commission had grown out of the vast, largely female volunteer effort to feed, nurse, and comfort the men at the front. On June 16, President Abraham Lincoln—making his only official public appearance in Philadelphia—stepped before the crowd to praise the work being done there.
Why it matters
The fair captured how the Civil War mobilized civilians, especially women, into organized wartime relief on a national scale, reshaping American ideas of volunteerism and public welfare.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.0 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer1.1 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center1.2 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center1.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall1.2 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- The Universal Sphere0.2 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.4 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.7 mi away
- Rocky Steps0.7 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.8 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Philly Gun Range1.0 mi away · North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Burger King1.0 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.1 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe1.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca1.1 mi away
- Dunkin'1.1 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar1.1 mi away
Places to stay
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.6 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.6 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.6 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.6 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.6 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Abraham Lincoln
Related events
- · Great Central Fair
Themes & tags
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