The slogan of Lawrenceville reads, “History in the Remaking.” Our own teacher has called this neighborhood “up and coming.” While we agree that it certainly may be coming, most components of Lawrenceville are yet to be considered “up.”
Lawrenceville was originally settled by the Delaware Indians and was called Shannopin's Town. In the early 18thcentury, a man named George Croghan purchased Lawrenceville and many of the surrounding areas. It was officially established in 1814 by William B. Foster, the son of a composer and is named for Captain James Lawrence, most known for his heroism during the War of 1812. Lawrenceville’s primary use at that time was as an arsenal. It also housed lumber, boatbuilding, and army equipment. However, on September 17, 1862, the arsenal exploded. Seventy-eight workers were killed. Those that could not be identified were buried in a mass grave. Investigation led to the belief that the explosion was indeed an accident caused by negligence. Today, Lawrenceville is in the process of renewal. Major renovations have proved too costly, so instead, the focus has been on rehabilitation and reuse. Modern Lawrenceville is the site for numerous art galleries, gift shops, vintage clothing boutiques, and cafes.
In order to reach Lawrenceville from Oakland, take the 54C. Board at any bus stop in the designated bus lane on Fifth Avenue between the river and Bigelow Boulevard and get off at Penn Avenue and 34th Street. Walk North on Butler Street. (which forks from Penn) to make your way from Lower Lawrenceville, through Central Lawrenceville, and into Upper Lawrenceville. All the best action is on the West side of the street. Once finished, return to Penn Ave (there are no bus stops on Butler Street) and take the same bus home. The bus runs every 40 minutes long before the shops are open and long after they've closed. Transportation to and from Lawrenceville isn't exactly convenient, so a car is highly recommended.
Lawrenceville is a distinct combination of West Side Philly meets hippie ghost town. Don’t go there at night by yourself; most places are not well lit and there are very few people outside. Make sure your transportation plans are concrete and well-thought out well before you go. There are very few buses that come near Lawrenceville and the stops are rather confusing. (We met two other groups of students that were lost and we ourselves hit a bit of a bussing snafu as well.) It’s not exactly the best place for your average college student. There’s shopping, but mostly of the way-too-expensive-for-someone-who-eats-ramen-noodles variety.
To learn more about Lawrenceville, visit their website here.
Lawrenceville is a distinct combination of West Side Philly meets hippie ghost town. Don’t go there at night by yourself; most places are not well lit and there are very few people outside. Make sure your transportation plans are concrete and well-thought out well before you go. There are very few buses that come near Lawrenceville and the stops are rather confusing. (We met two other groups of students that were lost and we ourselves hit a bit of a bussing snafu as well.) It’s not exactly the best place for your average college student. There’s shopping, but mostly of the way-too-expensive-for-someone-who-eats-ramen-noodles variety.
To learn more about Lawrenceville, visit their website here.
Sources:
"Lawrenceville: History." Home - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Web. 13 Oct. 2011. <http://www.clpgh.org/exhibit/neighborhoods/lawrenceville/law_n4.html>.Notes: