Philadelphia has many dead ends and alleys that go only one or two blocks. Even Elfreth’s Alley has a dead end blind lane near Front St, a pedestrian-only lane called Bladen’s Court.
This small alley originated between 1749 and 1752. It served two properties that faced onto Front Street whose owners wanted outside access to their backyards. Each of the owners paid half of the cost of paving and cleaning the nine-foot cartway.
The two original owners — William Rush and his brother-in-law Abraham Carlisle —— held opposing political beliefs during the American Revolution. Rush allied himself with the patriot cause. Carlisle collaborated with the British during their occupation of Philadelphia and was hanged in 1778.
Today, this small alley and its courtyard are named after William Bladen, a biscuit maker, who owned the property during the early 1800's.
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