Cities
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1643-

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and, at the time of the American Revolution, was the largest and most important city in America. Founded by William Penn as a place of religious tolerance, its spirit infused the early steps towards independence.

The first European settlers on the site of Philadelphia were Swedes, who established a community at the mouth of the Schuykill not later than 1643. England, however, established its control over the entire region and in 1681, King Charles II made William Penn a grant of land that became Pennsylvania.

An advance group was sent that year, and Penn himself followed in 1682. They established Philadelphia in the southeast corner of the colony, following a plan for the development of the town. The guiding principle of Pennsylvania was tolerance towards all faiths. Philadelphia attracted people from all over Europe, with Quakers like Penn especially well represented. The city developed a thriving trade with the West Indies and soon became the largest and most important city in the colonies. It received its city charter in 1701.

Its most famous citizen in the 18th century was Benjamin Franklin, widely considered one of that century's foremost scientists, in addition to being one of the guiding lights of the Revolution. The First and Second Continental Congresses were held in Philadelphia, and the city served as the nation's unofficial capital throughout the Revolutionary War, except for the period between September 26, 1777, and June 18, 1778, when it was held by the British. Following the war, the convention that produced the United States Constitution was held in Philadelphia.

By the time of the first census in 1790, New York had already passed Philadelphia in size. During the first half of the 19th century, important suburbs grew up around Philadelphia, including some, such as Kensington, Moyamensing, Northern Liberties, Southwark, and Spring Garden, that ranked among the country's top 100 places in the national census.

By mid-century, Philadelphia had dropped to fourth place. In 1854, the Pennsylvania legislature redrew the boundaries of Philadelphia to include the entire county, which boosted the city's population back to second. It held that position until being overtaken by Chicago in the census of 1890.

In 1876, Philadelphia hosted one of the country's first international expositions, commemorating the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. Held at Fairmont Park from May 10 to November 10, the exposition displayed industries from 50 countries.

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Liberty Bell can all be found in Philadelphia. But there is so much more to our nation’s first capitol than just those things.

Philadelphia, cradle to the American dream of freedom, is home to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, which are great documents that cried out, “Let Freedom Ring,” just like the Liberty Bell. Amidst the modest citizens of Philadelphia, gathered within the humble Carpenter's Hall on Chestnut Street, the Colonial fathers gave voice and life to those freedoms Americans hold so dearly at the First Continental Congress.

Many of the historic sites in and around Philadelphia have been restored or rebuilt, preserving this nation’s heritage as a free people. Giving due homage to these places that we must remember, a place of hallowed ground has been sanctified, the Independence National Historical Park. Within those grounds is Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States were signed. The house of Betsy Ross still stands on Arch Street.

Philadelphia is also one of America's leading cultural centers. The University of Philadelphia, established in 1740, occupies a 120-acre campus in West Philadelphia. The Academy of Natural Science, the oldest institution of its kind in America, was started in 1805. The Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoological garden in the nation, protects 1,600 rare and exotic animals. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, founded in 1876, houses some of the world's finest works of Impressionist art. Philadelphia's own Washington Monument stands in front of the art museum as if guarding and protecting the valuable treasures within.

Philadelphia gave much to the War for Independence. It was the site of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which can be traced as far back as 1762, and in 1775, it outfitted the first ships of the Colonial Navy. It continued to support the Navy at its Southwark location through the Civil War, but continued growth forced it to move to League Island in 1876. The Philadelphia Navy Yard ceased operations on September 27, 1996.

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