June 17, 1776

There was a mythical creature in Philadelphia in the weeks leading up to the Declaration of Independence. In Greek mythology, a satyr was half man, half horse- or goat-like creature, known for certain bestial behaviors. The satyr in Philadelphia stood “about two feet high, his body resembling a human body in all parts except his feet,” was available “TO BE SEEN” at a house at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets. Additionally, he had great “sense and agility” which made him “worthy of the observation of the curious. From advertisements alone, it is unclear what visitors actually saw when they visited the house.

Admission to see this “CREATURE” was offered on alternate hours from nine o’clock in the morning until eight o’clock in the evening for the price of one shilling. As this advertisement indicates, group tours for ten or twelve people could be specially scheduled in advance. 

Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet or, the General Advertiser
Printed by John Dunlap

TO BE SEEN,

At the house of Mr. George Heyl, the corner of Fourth and Market-streets, Philadelphia,

A CREATURE called a SATYR, of about two feet high, his body resembling a human body in all parts except his feet; he walks upright, and performs various actions to admiration. The sense and agility of this creature, renders him worthy of the observation of the curious. Due attendance is given at said place every other hour in the day, from nine o’clock in the morning until eight in the afternoon, beginning at the hours of nine, eleven, one, and so alternately until eight. Price One Shilling.

N.B. Any Gentleman with ten, a dozen or more, that would be desirous to view this surprizing animal at the unusual time of shewing, may be satisfied by sending their commands before-hand to the Public’s most obedient and very humble servant,

I. Fowler.