Manayunk

Originally, Manayunk was included in Roxborough Township. The property was purchased by William Penn in 1685. He transferred ownership to William Levering who later sold most of it to his son Jacob in 1716. James Levering built the first house in the district on Green Lane west of Silverwood Street.

By 1810, the growing community was known as Flat Rock after the unusual flat rock that lay near the bridge over the river. The bridge went by the same name as did the turnpike that crossed over it connecting Merion and Roxborough Townships.

The Schuykill Navigation Company built a dam, canal, and locks to aid transit in the early part of the 19th Century. The dam provided considerable water power that the company leased out to factories and mills. This helped transform the district into an important center for manufacturing.

Inhabitants of Manayunk were largely German, Polish, and Irish immigrants who worked in the many factories and mills. There was also a sizable African American population. Each immigrant group established its own branch of Catholic Churches. These are all now historic structures, and the area has several historic Protestant Churches as well.

By the 1820, the population had grown dissatisfied with the name Flat Rock, but there was much contention over the choice of a replacement. It took until the end of the decade to settle on Manayunk.

That sort of careful consideration is still a hallmark of the district. The care taken by residents regarding their community is one reason why real estate values are high here. Another is the profusion of luxury homes along tree lined streets. Manayunk has been part of the city of Philadelphia since 1853 when the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Consolidation Act. Manayunk still takes pride in organizing its own patch of real estate and remains a civic minded community.

Boundaries: North/South: Fountain Avenue/Ridge Avenue East/West: Pechin Street/Schuylkill River

School information: Area schools include the Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School and Roxborough High School.

Manayunk Development Corporation: http://www.manayunk.com/
Manayunk Neighborhood Council: http://www.manayunkcouncil.org/
Friends of the Manayunk Canal: http://www.manayunkcanal.org/
Manayunk Sport and Social Club: http://www.manayunksportandsocial.com/
Manayunk Roxborough Art Center: http://mrartcenter.org/

Manayunk is a district in the northwestern portion of Philadelphia. It is sited along the banks of the Schuylkill River and contains the first canal built in the United States. The name of this district derives from the word the Lenape Indians in the region gave to the river. William Penn makes reference to this in documents dating back to 1686.

Although a working class community through much of its history, Manayunk has gentrified considerably in recent years. Real estate values are high here, and the area contains numerous luxury homes along tree lined streets. A sizable working class population remains in the zone, but the younger groups moving into the area are generally upper middle class professionals. The vibrant nightlife in the area draws visitors from spots all around the Delaware Valley.

Manayunk is bordered by the Reading Railroad, the Flat Rock Dam, the Schuylkill River, and Main Street. It covers 112 acres. The buildings here cover many styles, but the two chief architectural types are Late Victorian and Classical Revival.