Swann Memorial Fountain

Our company has been sending students all over the country for over a decade now, and Philadelphia educational tours are still very popular, especially with an emphasis in history. In fact, as mentioned a while back, Forbes Traveler found Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia to be one of the top 25 visited attractions in the nation. Which brings us to the beautiful fountain we’re featuring today, surrounded by some of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions and rich with tradition: The Swann Memorial Fountain.

Dr. Wilson Carey Swann was the founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society, and this beautiful centerpiece was designed in his honor, complete with sculptured swans – a play on his name. Large native American figures also grace this landmark and are symbols of the three major rivers in the area.

Swann Memorial Fountain is located in Logan Circle. It stands as the midpoint for Ben Franklin Parkway where both City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art tower nearby. This fountain is therefore bound to figure into your Philadelphia tour whether you plan for it or not. In the past, it has been popular for swimming in the summer, which was eventually banned – by security and everything. But there are still traditions in the city – which make the local news – that include celebrations by emersion in this popular city landmark, including annual end-of-the-school-year jubilees.

This is a beautiful centerpiece to any Philadelphia tour – and yet another gorgeous fountain in our week of celebrating those refreshing, traditional city landmarks we cannot help but love.

Photo Credit: michaelwm25 on Flickr

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3. Central Park’s Bethseda
4. A Reflective Memorial for President’s Day
5. Controversial Moment at a War Memorial