Virtual Tour of Philadelphia's Gilded Age

The period from the 1870’s to around 1910 in America saw unprecedented growth and major changes to society. America went from an agrarian to an industrial society. The Civil War created a new class of wealthy businesses and the people behind them. It also led to the growth of the railway systems and travel. Also introduced where inventions such as structural steel, the elevator, and the telephone. A middle class was also created that had leisure time, and so needed entertaining. Circuses, professional sports, and music began to fill that void. There were also two World’s Fairs held in America as well.

Buildings were erected that not only used these new technologies but introduced new styles from Second Empire Baroque, to Gothic and Romanesque Revivals, to a rich new High Victorian Gothic style. So, come with me on this journey through this fascinating part of America and Philadelphia’s history. Meet the shakers and movers of this time, and see some of the amazing structures they created, many of which still stand.

This live, Virtual Tour will cover all of the above.