History

Boathouse Row, a National Historic Landmark, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Boat and barge clubs at Boathouse Row came into existence in the 19th century to serve the recreational needs of Philadelphians. With the creation of the organization called “Schuylkill Navy” in 1858, rowing grew as a sport. Over the years, the growth of the sport brought Philadelphia fame as a major center for rowing.

The original member clubs of the Schuylkill Navy include the University Barge Club, Undine Barge Club, Bachelors Barge Club, Malta Boat Club, Crescent Boat Club, Vesper Boat Club, College Boat Club of the University of Pennsylvania, Fairmount Rowing Association, Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association and Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club.

The construction of boathouses along the Schuylkill River started after the city of Philadelphia declared the Lemon Hill Estate as a public park (to be known as Fairmount Park) in 1855. By 1872, a number of stone boathouses had been erected by clubs. Eventually, the clubs had been given permission to enlarge their buildings, which enabled them to have plenty of room for social events as well as space for housing boats.

Some of the prominent designers of the boathouses include architects Frank Furness, George W. Hewitt, William D. Hewitt, Edward Hazlehurst, Samuel Huckle Jr., Louis Hickman, Clarence Schermerhorn, James C. Sidney, Walter D. Smedley, Arthur H. Brockie, Charles Balderston and Howard Hagar.