Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also known as the “City of Brotherly Love” is the fifth most populated city in the United States. There were over one and a half million people living within the metropolitan area in 2010, according to the United States Census Bureau. There are four million people in Philadelphia proper, and its surrounding counties.
William Penn founded Philadelphia. He wanted there to be a city along the Delaware River that could be a center for ports and governments. And his idea was successful. It was the place where the founding father met to Sign the Declaration of Independence, and one of the Original colonies of the United States. During the Great Migration, it became a popular place for African Americans, who wanted to leave the southern United States. Because of its textile industry, new arrivals found plenty of work. No longer simply a center for manufacturing, the city now primarily has an information and service-based economy. A large number of business deals mostly in financial activities, along with health and research.
The area was home to the Delaware Indians in the early 17th century. It was chartered for William Penn’s Pennsylvania Colony, which bore his namesake. He bought the land so he could be friendly with the local Indians and make peace within his colony. A Quaker, Penn wanted to be able to worship freely. He wanted the town to stay rural, because as a Quaker, he liked the peace of the countryside. But Benjamin Franklin helped improve the city, along with founding new ones.
Many historical events happened in Pennsylvania including the opening of first hospital in the colonies. It held the First Continental Congress, and several battles were held within its confines. For ten years, it was the capital of the United States, until it got moved to the District of Columbia. During those ten years, yellow fever wiped out about ten percent of the population and so they moved it to DC, where yellow fever wasn’t as much of a problem. Philadelphia has been the city of firsts for such entities as the federal government, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The first World’s Fair took place here as well.
Here are some interesting facts about Pennsylvania and its climate, for those interested in its climate and topography. The lowest point of Pennsylvania lies at sea level. For this reason, the area isn’t prone to flooding. The Delaware River, which runs through Philadelphia, is such a large one, it can be seen from space. It is the county seat of Pennsylvania County. The city has an area of 142.6 square miles and 5.29% of it is water. It is a humid subtropical environment with 78 or more inches of snow per year. In January, the average temperature is 32 degrees, which is at the freezing point.
If you visit Pennsylvania, you will find lots of interesting sights and things to do. There is always more to learn about this wonderful city while you’re there.