Philadelphia’s Yellow Fever Epidemic: From Health Crisis to Social Crisis

During the summer of 1793, a mysterious illness spread rapidly across the bustling city of Philadelphia, then the capital of the new nation. In the course of a few months, nearly 10% of the city’s residents died from yellow fever. This cataclysmic event inspired acts of heroism and self-sacrifice by faith and civic leaders, but it also starkly revealed racial inequalities and inflamed polarization around immigration, political affiliation, religious identity, public health policy, and scientific knowledge. Learn how its lessons apply to today.

Location: The walking tour typically begins at the Independence Visitors Center at 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.