Kensington, Pennsylvania in Philadelphia
Discuss the background/history of Kensington, Pennsylvania in Philadelphia
Sample Solution
Kensington, Pennsylvania, is one of the many neighborhoods located in Philadelphia. Located to the north and east of Center City Philadelphia, Kensington has long been a home to immigrants coming from all over Europe. It was initially established by English Quakers who arrived in the area during the 1600s as part of William Penn’s settlement plan for his
“Holy Experiment” and was known as “Green Town” or “The Green Country Towne.” The name eventually changed to Kensington after an English village called that same name near London.
During the 19th century Kensington experienced rapid growth due to large influxes of German and Irish immigrants who had settled here because it was close to their places of work such as rope making factories, iron works, tanneries, breweries and other related industries. This population boom also caused a housing shortage which led to overcrowding and slum conditions in some areas which were formerly farmland or woodlands but had been converted into residential housing developments at this time period. A number of these neighborhoods still exist today such as Fishtown (formerly known as Fletchersville) and Port Richmond (Erie Avenue).
By 1910 more than 70% of residents living within Kensington identified themselves with either German or Irish ancestry according to census data collected at that time period. During World War I heavy restrictions were placed on alcohol production leading some entrepreneurs to establish illegal moonshine stills operating in locations throughout Kensington earning it notoriety along side nearby Prohibition-era speakeasies; they also earned it another nickname - "Bottle Alley". In addition there were significant numbers of African American populations living within sections around Lehigh Avenue between Girard Ave & Allegheny Ave too however this figure declined during later decades due to economic hardship plus redlining policies which targeted inner city regions like Kensington prompting migration outwards away from these areas towards suburban locales instead. With deindustrialization having taken place throughout America heavily since then most industry such as manufacturing plants have closed down leaving poverty, crime & blight behind instead so much so that nearly two thirds (61%) of people living here now fall below federal poverty line levels according to recent U.S Census Bureau statistics released about 2017 figures for this region alone..
Despite its reputation for being a dangerous neighborhood with high rates of crime & drugs especially associated with heroin addiction problems facing many residents; there is still hope emerging through new development initiatives springing up across numerous blocks recently - given the area's strategic location near several transportation hubs including Amtrak trains linking directly into 30th Street Station plus multiple bus routes connecting both downtown Philly & North Philly areas respectively - allowing access easily into wealthier parts outside center city itself where jobs are plentiful; these new projects are bringing more retail stores along Frankford Avenue while plans are already underway constructing an improved infrastructure system throughout much surrounding industrial wasteland left vacant earlier too creating further opportunities helping revitalize depressed population centers exponentially alongside gentrification taking place slowly but surely over time here overall despite increasingly busy traffic clogging streets daily around rush hour times calling attention nearby.. As mentioned before though despite all challenges faced currently there is optimism present seen growing among locals feeling sense pride considering rich history roots stretching back centuries ago when first settlers arrived solidifying foundation forging vibrant community existing today nurturing bright future ahead welcoming everyone visiting/living alike no matter race creed/background proudly stands proud showing world what true unity looks like standing strong together united achieving greatness