When Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, his will distributed his wealth and extensive real estate holdings among his relatives and friends.
His large house, as well as the several other properties on Franklin Court, were left to his daughter Sally and her husband, Richard Bache, who put it up for rent.
From 1794 to 1800, the house was home to the first Portuguese ambassador, the Chevalier Cipriano Ribeiro de Freire. It was then used as a boarding house, a school for young ladies, and finally, as a hotel and tavern.
By 1812, the land had so increased in value that the Bache heirs decided to tear down the house and rebuild Franklin Court with rental row houses. The new buildings faced a narrow street that ran the length of the block from Market Street to Chestnut Street. Known as Orianna Street, it was soon crowded with shops—silversmiths, bookbinders, printers, bakers, and shoemakers.
In 1954, as Independence Park was being constructed, the Federal Government acquired the site and began archaeological exploration. Plans were made to create a park there and perhaps to recreate Franklin's original three story house.
In 1972, they hired the firm of Venturi and Rauch who came up with an innovative interpretation of the site.
They constructed recreations of 18th century buildings including a post office, printing press and an entry arch on Market Street. A 10,000 square foot museum was situated underground. The original structures that stood within the Court were represented by the outlines of steel "ghost houses."
1910 map 1914 Market St in 1956, where Franklin Court is today
Recent Ghost House
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