Dickinson Square West, Philadelphia

Dickinson Narrows, Philadelphia is a neighborhood in South Philadelphia and is partially a sector of larger existing areas, Pennsport and Passyunk Square. It is bound by Washington Avenue to the north, Mifflin Street to the south, 4th Street to the east, and 6th Street to the west. Dickinson Narrows is called "Dickinson Square West" by the neighborhood association located within its boundaries.BoundariesThe boundaries of Dickinson Narrows are Washington Avenue to Mifflin Street, and Fourth to Sixth streets.HistoryDickinson Narrows adjoins some of the earliest settled land in the City of Philadelphia to the east. Lenni Lenape Indians initially inhabited the overall area, until Swedish settlers arrived in 1638. However, upon William Penn's arrival in 1682, the area was deemed "Southwark". It quickly grew and the area was then divided into two townships but retained their original American Indian names, Moyamensing (pigeon droppings) and Passyunk (in the valley). The area grew mainly due to the busy port at Washington Avenue. The Delaware River served as immigration entrance point and train transfer point for Civil War soldiers.Many iron foundries were scattered in the northern portion of Dickinson Narrows, including the present-day Sacks Playground and Mount Sinai Hospital. The population of new immigrants, many Jewish, spilled beyond the traditional borders of Southwark, westward beyond 4th Street, as well as southward below Washington Avenue away from the city center. A lively commercial market developed along 7th Street where Jewish merchants sold a variety of goods, becoming the main commercial corridor in South Philadelphia. Important community centers were established, such as the Workmen's Circle on 6th Street and Tasker Street. This group worked to preserve and promote Yiddish culture and support members' involvement in the labor movement.