City of Philadelphia |
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Philadelphia was founded and planned in 1682 by William Penn, although the area was previously settled by Swedes, who called the area Wiccacoa, in the early 1600s. The name “Philadelphia” means “brotherly love” in Greek. Penn hoped the colony could serve as a refuge for those seeking religious freedom and tolerance. Growth and ImportancePhiladelphia quickly grew as an economic, cultural, and intellectual hub, and became the most important city in the thirteen colonies, and the second most important English-speaking city in the world behind London. Contributions of Benjamin FranklinOne of Philadelphia’s leading citizens, Benjamin Franklin, founded the Pennsylvania Gazette, The University of Pennsylvania, and the nation’s first public library and fire company in Philadelphia. Philadelphia and the American RevolutionPhiladelphia played prominently in the American Revolution. The Continental Congress first met in Philadelphia in 1775 and Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776. In addition, the city served as the capital of the colonies from 1777 to 1788. William Penn founded and planned Philadelphia in 1682. Before that, Swedish settlers lived there in the early 1600s and called it Wiccacoa. The name “Philadelphia” means “brotherly love” in Greek. Penn wanted the city to be a place where people could practice their religion freely. Philadelphia’s GrowthThe city quickly became a center for trade, culture, and learning. It became the most important city in the American colonies and the second biggest English-speaking city in the world, after London. Benjamin Franklin’s RoleBenjamin Franklin was a key figure in Philadelphia. He started the Pennsylvania Gazette, the University of Pennsylvania, the first public library, and the first fire company in the country. Philadelphia in the RevolutionPhiladelphia played a major role in the American Revolution. The Continental Congress met there in 1775. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall. The city was also the capital of the colonies from 1777 to 1788. |
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