Kelpius Community
In 1694, German mystic Johannes Kelpius and his followers established a community near here in response to William Penn's offer of religious freedom. Members of the "Hermits of the Wissahickon" produced poetry and music, practiced astronomy and botany, and made an early pipe organ, as they awaited the millenium. They welcomed all ethnic groups and Native Americans. The community gradually dissolved after Kelpius died in 1708.
Digital Commonwealth, Boston Public LibraryDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesPrinceton University LibraryDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Marker data: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission via data.pa.gov
See your own family's places through time.
Start with your family tree