Boathouse

Near the river, you will spot Glen Foerd’s boathouse. Retreating from the city to enjoy nature’s beauty was already a practice on this site before Glen Foerd was built. In the 1800s, remote scenery and fresh air were widely believed to promote moral and physical well-being, especially in contrast to urban environments, which were quickly developing with industry. Appreciation for the natural world grew with the rise of romanticism in painting and literature, influencing cultural practices of retreating from urban areas. Prior to Charles Macalester’s purchase of the land in 1850, this area was owned by John Risdon, who ran the Robin Hood Hotel. Many wealthy gentlemen would go there to fish, sail, and shooting games. The hotel even had its own casino, so guests could gamble on trips out of the city as well.

The boathouse serves as a reminder of the prominence of river transportation until the development of State Road in the late 1800s and railroad service from Center City. Guests of the Robin Hood Hotel came by ferry, and eventually, by excursion steamships. Most people traveling to Glen Foerd in its early days would have arrived by river transportation as well. The boathouse has largely been reconstructed but stands on its original foundation.

Other prominent features of the riverfront include the historic gazebo and a statue of the original owners’ beloved dog, Little Ugly, who is buried nearby.