New World Flags Brighten Philly’s Ben Franklin Parkway

All 109 have been replaced

Colorful flags on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway represent 108 countries with significant populations in the city … plus Puerto Rico. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”

Since Philadelphia’s Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, the beautiful Benjamin Franklin Parkway has been bedecked with bright world flags running from the Art Museum to Love Park near City Hall.

But along the way, some became torn or tattered. So last year, city officials decided to replace them semi-annually.

The first brand new flags appeared earlier this month and they look wonderful.

Interesting Oddities

The city installed 90 flags in 1976. It added 19 more in 2010. Because Angola — which starts with an “A” — was one of those new countries, the rest of the flags behind it had to be reordered.
Countries represented are supposed to have a significant representation here. So I was surprised Angola qualified. Why? The country, which became independent of Portugal in 1975, didn’t even establish diplomatic relations with the U.S. until 1993. But while the numbers themselves may be small, apparently Philadelphia and Pennsylvania both have some of the highest concentrations of Angolans in the U.S. So I learned something new during this research.
Most of the 109 flags are in alphabetical order. The exceptions: Israel is located near the Holocaust Memorial near 16th and Arch Street; Plus, Vatican City, Poland and Italy are close to historical and cultural markers … and near the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 17th and Race Streets. Why? Because of “their strong Catholic affiliations,” the Inquirer says.
The Parkway, which deviated from William Penn’s grid system, was part of the “City Beautiful” movement to combat industrialization, congestion and pollution with urban spaces that encouraged reflection and recreation.
Originally named The Fairmount Parkway in 1926, the 1.1 mile road was renamed The Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 1937, says the American Planning Association.

Fast Facts

Name: The Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Length: 1.1 mile

Year Started: 1917

Year Completed: 1929

Designers: Numerous people were involved; key ones: Jacque Gréber and Paul Cret

Number of Buildings Removed to Complete It: 1,300

Some Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angolan_Americans

https://hsp.org/sites/default/files/directory_of_african_immigrant_community_resources.pdf

https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/city-beautiful-movement/

https://www.broadstreetreview.com/articles/philadelphias-benjamin-franklin-parkway