Located in the southeast part, at the junction of the Delaware and Schulykill rivers, is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia. The city with the long name was discovered by Captain William Markham when he was sent out by William Penn, his cousin, along with a small group of colonists some time in 1681. His cousin followed a year later with a mission to create a refuge for the Quakers.
Before the American Revolution, Philadelphia has managed to surpass all others with regards to art, commerce, education, industry, and science. It was regarded as the capital of the United States in 1781 to 1783, as per the Articles of Confederation. Under the Constitution, it became the nation’s capital in 1790 until the 1800s when the federal government seat was eventually moved to Washington where it remains so until today.
American Industrial Revolution
Within 50 years of its founding at the Independence Hall, the city of Philadelphia has led America’s Industrial Revolution. In place of the hat factories and steam locomotives often found in this city in the 19th century, people will now find a diverse array of manufacturing specialties, such as chemicals, medical equipment and device, transportation, printing, as well as publishing. The city is also a leader in health service, insurance, legal services, engineering and architecture subsectors. It is home to notable branches of the Federal Reserve System, Internal Revenue Service, and the US Mint.
Attractions and Noteworthy Spots
Aside from having one of the largest freshwater ports in the world, Philadelphia also boasts of a distinct culture and world-class attractions such as:
- Independence Hall
- Liberty Bell
- Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute Science Museum
- Philadelphia Zoological Gardens
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Mann Center for the Performing Arts
- Reading Terminal Market
- Betsy Ross House
- And more.
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Philadelphia History
Philadelphia Demographics
Philadelphia Geography and Climate
Philadelphia Culture
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