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Hill-Physick House: A Glimpse into 18th-Century Philadelphia

Explore the elegant Hill-Physick House in Philadelphia's Society Hill, home to a renowned surgeon and a treasure of Federal architecture.

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Visit the Hill-Physick House, the only freestanding Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill, Philadelphia. Built in 1786, it was home to Dr. Philip Syng Physick, known as the 'Father of American Surgery,' and offers a unique look into the life of a prominent Philadelphian during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

A brief summary to Hill-Physick House

Local tips

  • Check the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks website for updated tour schedules and special events.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or summer to enjoy the beauty of the 19th-century style garden.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historical attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Independence Hall, walk south on 5th Street, then turn left onto Delancey Street. Walk one block east to 4th Street, then turn right. The Hill-Physick House will be on your right at 321 S 4th Street. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Market-Frankford Line to the 5th Street Station. Walk south on 5th Street towards Chestnut Street, then turn left on Chestnut Street and walk to S 4th Street. Finally, turn right on S 4th Street, and the Hill-Physick House will be on your left at 321 S 4th St. A one-way SEPTA fare is $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From 30th Street Station, a taxi or ride-share to the Hill-Physick House will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between $15-$25.

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Discover more about Hill-Physick House

The Hill-Physick House, located in Philadelphia's historic Society Hill neighborhood, offers a captivating journey into the past. Built in 1786 by Henry Hill, a wealthy Madeira wine importer, this elegant four-story brick house later became the residence of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, a renowned surgeon. Today, it stands as the only free-standing Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill, a testament to the architectural styles of the early Republic. Step inside and explore the rooms adorned with French-influenced Neoclassical furnishings, reflecting the refined tastes of the period. See Dr. Physick's collection of medical and surgical tools, offering a glimpse into the medical practices of the time. The house also features a garden replicating one from the early 19th century, providing a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Dr. Physick was a prominent figure who treated many notable patients, including Dolley Madison, President Andrew Jackson, and Chief Justice John Marshall. The house provides a window into the social life of Philadelphia's elite during the early 19th century. The house is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Elizabeth Physick, Dr. Physick's estranged wife, who is said to linger in the garden due to her attachment to a tree that once grew there. A visit to the Hill-Physick House offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and a glimpse into the life and times of one of Philadelphia's most influential figures.

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