How did the geographic location of Philadelphia affect the city's development?
Because of its location on rivers, the city built bridges and used ferries to allow workers to access the city.***
Because of proximity to water, streets had to be properly elevated to avoid flooding during rainstorms.
Because of the hilly terrain to the north, it was impossible for railroad tracks to be laid there.
Because the Schuylkill River disrupted the grid system on the west side, the river was moved farther west.
The geographic location of Philadelphia had a significant impact on the city's development. One of the effects was the necessity to build bridges and utilize ferries due to its position on rivers. To access the city, workers needed a means of transportation to cross the rivers, so bridges were constructed and ferries were used. This allowed for easy movement of people and goods in and out of the city.
Another impact of Philadelphia's location was the need to properly elevate streets to prevent flooding. Being close to water bodies, such as the rivers, meant that the city had to take measures to avoid flooding during rainstorms. Proper street elevation helped prevent water accumulation and ensured the city's infrastructure remained intact during inclement weather.
Additionally, the hilly terrain to the north of Philadelphia made it impractical to lay railroad tracks in that area. The landscape posed challenges for the construction and maintenance of railroad infrastructure, thus limiting railway expansion to other parts of the city. This influenced the development of Philadelphia's transportation systems, favoring alternative modes such as bridges and ferries.
Lastly, the Schuylkill River disrupted the layout of the grid system on the west side of Philadelphia, leading to the decision to move the river further west. The presence of the river caused a disruption in the city's urban planning and necessitated adjustments to accommodate its flow. Moving the river helped establish a more organized grid system, enabling better city planning and development.
In summary, the geographic location of Philadelphia influenced its development in multiple ways, including the construction of bridges and utilization of ferries for accessibility, the need to elevate streets to prevent flooding, the limitation of railway expansion due to hilly terrain, and the decision to move the Schuylkill River for better city planning.