Directory

Philadelphia was founded by William Penn in 1682. The city’s strategic location on the Delaware River made the city an ideal location for trade and was the largest city with political and social importance until 1830 when New York City became the nation’s preeminent city. Many were attracted to the city not only for its strategic location, but for its pledge of religious tolerance that quickly gave the city its nickname as the “City of Brotherly Love.”

During the American Revolution, Philadelphia was a center for the nation’s leaders, hosting both the first and second Continental Congress. It also served as the location where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted. Despite its prestige, Philadelphia was a very vulnerable city and in 1777, the British invaded Philadelphia and occupied the city for 10 months.

At the end of the Revolutionary War, Philadelphians fought to have the nation’s capital returned to Philadelphia. Despite their efforts, a location along the Potomac River was chosen as the nation’s capital. While the capital was being constructed, Philadelphia was chosen as the temporary capital of the U.S.

Since its noble beginnings with strong leaders like William Penn and Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia has seen a lot of change. From fighting corruption through most of the 20th century and transforming from an industrial powerhouse to a center for medical research, Philadelphia is an example of American resiliency and spirit.