America's first capital city, Philadelphia
is rich in American history and culture. From Independence Hall, where
the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 proclaiming American
independence, to Penn's Landing, named after the influential and charismatic
governor William Penn, Philadelphia has much to teach visitors about the
early years of America. At the same time, Philadelphia is a bustling city
with modern attractions and entertainment.
Philadelphia's historical roots are very deep. As the seat of American
government during the first crucial decades of American independence,
Philadelphia was America's greatest city. The city's pride was manifested
in the City Hall, which is the largest and most ornate municipal hall
in the country. Philadelphia was the site of the meetings of the Continental
and then the US Congress until 1800. But Philadelphia's history is even
older than that of the United States itself. As a British Colony founded
by William Penn and the Quakers, Pennsylvania attracted many different
religious denominations to its tolerant atmosphere. Many of those faiths
have built beautiful churches throughout the city in celebration of the
religious freedom they found in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia was and remains to this day a cultural center. Benjamin Franklin himself helped found many of the educational and cultural offerings of the city. Numerous universities and museums can be found here in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Art Museum is the third largest in the country with over 300,000 different items. Other museums celebrate the Philadelphia's place in American history. Philadelphia also boasts numerous entertainment centers, such as Penn's Landing where a wonderful collection of historical ships provides the background for numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.
Philadelphia's careful city planning made it an ideal choice for housing the US government, and it has produced many treasures that are still enjoyed by visitors and residents. Fairmont Park, for example, is the largest landscaped municipal park in the world. It houses numerous attractions, as well as walking trails and recreation areas.
Philadelphia has enjoyed a special place in American history, and visitors
come to the city to learn about that history as they learn about this
beautiful city and all it offers.