While thinking about our visit to one of the narrowest streets in Europe recently, it made me think of another interesting street we visited in the past.

During one of our many trips to Philadelphia, we took a stroll down another interesting street. I couldn’t remember what distinction it had, whether it was one of the narrowest in the US or oldest. I decided to pull up a few photos from the visit and then do a quick read into it.

The street I’m referring to is called Elfreth’s Alley and it’s considered “The nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street” according to VisitPhilly.com.

Elfreth’s Alley is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The plaque above says that the alley has been around since 1703. While visiting elfrethsalley.org I learned that “the thirty-two buildings along Elfreth’s Alley were built from 1720s–1830s”. That’s some pretty old homes!

While the 1720’s might not seem so old when you think about sites we can visit around the world, for the United States this is pretty impressive.

The alley is just one short street with amazing brick homes. I wish my photos were better but you can still make out the beautiful brick homes, many with shutters on them.

Elfrethsalley.org also mentioned how “in the 18th and early 19th centuries, numerous artisans and craftsmen” lived in the homes along the alley. Many of them actually lived and worked in their homes.

I’d like to head back to Elfreth’s Alley on a future trip to Philadelphia. I’m definitely curious to find out more about the area by visiting the museum, located in two homes.

If you’re interested, you can find out more about Elfreth’s Alley here.