Philadelphia history

Stretched between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, just across from Camden, New Jersey, Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania. History lurks around every corner in Philadelphia. This is the birthplace of the USA and the nation's original capital from 1790 to 1800.

In one of the great experiments of the British colonies, Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by the English Quaker William Penn, who envisioned the settlement as a land of tolerance and religious freedom. Many colonists fleeing persecution flocked to it. Penn named the town after the Greek word for 'brotherly love'.

Philadelphia's most important sights are preserved in Downtown's picturesque Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and the Constitution Center, honouring the US Constitution.

Colonial Philadelphia was also home to the great statesman, Benjamin Franklin, founder of the country's first hospital, library, fire company and university. He is easily the city's favourite native son, with some fascinating exhibits dedicated to him.