Octavius Catto Memorial Philadelphia
Honoring a black hero
Black lives matter. The controversy surrounding this simple, true statement is sad evidence of the state of American affairs. So as extremists rally to protect Confederate monuments, it is profoundly heartening to me to see my city honor an African-American hero with a statue.
Octavius Catto was an author, educator, soldier, athlete and activist who fought boldly for racial equality in the time after the Civil War. He led the movement that desegregated Philadelphia’s trolley system.
He also fought for the passage of African American voting rights and later for black voter turnout in elections. He was assassinated on South Street in 1871 at the age of 32.
Catto’s memorial is the first here erected to an African American. Called A Quest for Parity, the work is an artistically beautiful and heavily symbolic tribute. His likeness is accompanied by a ballot box and pillars fashioned to look like sections of a trolley, each acknowledging different aspects of this remarkable man.
The statue’s placement in the shadow of City Hall gives it its proper due. (Look for him outside the southern entrance to City Hall.)
The struggle is real and ongoing, but memorials like this are a welcome acknowledgement of the hard-fought progress of history that propels up forward.
About this spot
Philadelphia City Hall
- 24 hours daily
USD
free
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia
The Percy Street Project
An electric light mural
"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.
by
Holly
Miller
Nunu
Creative Asian fusion food and cocktails
"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!
by
Holly
Miller
Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion
FUN
My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!
by
Holly
Miller
Vault & Vine
Cafe, greenhouse, handmade gifts
"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...
by
Holly
Miller
Suraya
Exquisite Levant-inspired dining & market
"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...
by
Holly
Miller
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Pop-up summer park
"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup
Food trucks
The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Interstate Draft House
New American/Southern
"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Lloyd
Whiskey, cocktails, & fine fare
"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.
by
Cara
Jo Castellino
Tuna Bar
Japanese raw bar in Old City
Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!
by
Holly
Miller
Long in the Tooth Record Store
High fidelity
"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Abstract Mural Callowhill
Artist Tim McFarlane
Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Heading to Philadelphia?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Philadelphia?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Philadelphia
Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia
As featured on:
