Logan Square.

Logan Square, commonly referred to as Logan circle is one of the five original squares central to William Penn's original design for Philadelphia. Located north of Market Street, south of Spring Garden Street, west of Broad Street, and east of the Schuylkill River. Logan square homes for sale range from a couple of hundred thousands to the million dollar plus range. The park or fountain central to the square has been an aesthetically pleasing feature of the area for centuries, soon the Cities Sister Park will join it as a mainstay of Philadelphia landscape. The park did not always represent beauty. The park has a gruesome history, up until the early 19th Century the area was a site for public executions and burial plots. Following this in June 1864 it temporarily became the site of the Great Sanitary Fair, a 2-week exposition that raised US$1,046,859 to buy medicine and bandages for Union troops during the American Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln visited the fair. The park was designed by Jacques Greber  a French landscape architect who converted Logan Square into a circle similar to the oval of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Philadelphia even modeled its Free Library and Family Court Building after the twin buildings of the Hotel de Crillon. 

Twin buildings of the Hôtel de Crillon,Place de
la Concorde,Paris.

The Free Library of Philadelphia.

If you were to travel to France walk through Paris around the Place de la Concorde you would notice a striking resemblance to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.


There is more classic architecture that shape the Logan Square landscape. The historic Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, the Philadelphia Family Court, the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Franklin Institute just to name a few. Following in the footsteps of its namesake the Franklin Institute has become a pillar in the science community of Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States was both a scientist and an inventor, amongst other things. As a scientist Benjamin Franklin was a major contributor to the American enlightenment and the history of physics. His inventions have shaped modern day society. These inventions include the lightning rod bifocals, the Franklin stove a carriage odometer and the glass 'armonica.'  These attributes are the inspiration behind the famed center. The Institute also houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Ben Franklin the mission is to inspire passion for learning about science and technology. Founded in 1824 the institute has housed groundbreaking scientific demonstrations throughout history. The Institute offer permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones. Currently the Internationally acclaimed Mummies Exhibit is on display at the Institute. If you wish to take in a movie the Imax screen is currently screening Part 2 of the final installment of the Harry Potter Series. This huge screen sits in an auditorium that seats hundreds of people, definitely once of viewing experience that is not easily duplicated.

Swann Memorial Fountain

In the middle of the park you'll find the Swann Memorial fountain, this is also known as the three rivers fountain. The fountain memorializes Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Foundation Society. An adaptation of the "river god" sculpture, large Native American figures symbolize the areas major streams the Delaware, the Schuylkill, and the Wissahickon. In the fountain you'll notice a young girl leaning on her side against a water-spouting swan, this represents the Wissahickon Creek. The mature woman holding the neck of a swan stands for the Schuylkill River. The male figure, reaching above his head to grasping his bow as water sprays over him, symbolizes the Delaware River. The use of Swans is play of Dr Swanns name.


Surrounding Logan Square you'll find the the first and only women's visual arts college in the nation, and one of only two in the world. The Moore College of Art and design. Notable alumni from the college include, Emmy-award winning costume designer, Jim Henson, The Muppets One of the traditions of the area is that to commemorate the end of every school year since the 1960s, the newly appointed Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors of  J. W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School jump into the fountain. The event is the subject of much local media coverage throughout Philadelphia. Philadelphia Real Estate Agents describe this a very illustrious sort after area.