Race Street is a major east–west street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that runs parallel to Cherry Street. It was one of William Penn's original gridded streets from the 1680s, although named Sassafras Street then. It is listed by name on the map in Birch's Views of Philadelphia (1800) – Race and Arch Streets are listed by their original names, "Sassafras" and "Mulberry." The earliest official use of the name Cherry Street was in 1809.
History
The name "Race Street" was originally a nickname given to the street, as the street was used for horse racing in the early 1800s. The name became official some time in the mid-1850s.
Points of interest
Center City
From east in Center City (near the Delaware River) to west (near the Schuylkill River):
Elfreth's Alley
National Constitution Center
Franklin Square
Philadelphia Police Department Headquarters
Chinatown, Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Race Street Friends Meetinghouse
Friends Select School
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Franklin Institute
West Philadelphia
Drexel University Campus, from 32nd to 34th Streets: Steinbright Career Development Center Design Arts Annex North Hall Tower Hall Race Street Hall (rear) Calhoun Hall (rear)