Founding of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - October 27, 1682

On October 27, 1682, William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate for religious freedom, founded the city of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania. This event marked a significant moment in the colonial history of what would become the United States.

Context and Background

• William Penn: Born in 1644, Penn was the son of Admiral Sir William Penn. He converted to Quakerism in his early twenties, which led to his persecution in England due to the Quakers’ dissent from the Church of England. Seeking a place where Quakers and others could enjoy religious freedom, Penn was granted a royal charter by King Charles II in 1681 to establish a colony in North America.

• The Charter of Pennsylvania: The land granted to Penn was named Pennsylvania, meaning “Penn’s Woods,” in honor of his father. The charter provided Penn with significant autonomy to govern and develop the colony.

Founding of Philadelphia

• Location: Penn chose the site for Philadelphia between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, recognizing its strategic location for trade and transportation. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people.

• City Planning: Penn envisioned Philadelphia as a “greene country towne,” with a grid layout that included wide streets and public squares. This design aimed to prevent the overcrowding and fire hazards common in European cities at the time.

• Name and Vision: The name “Philadelphia” means “City of Brotherly Love” in Greek, reflecting Penn’s Quaker beliefs in equality, peace, and religious tolerance. He intended the city to be a place where people of different faiths could coexist harmoniously.

Significance and Legacy

• Religious Freedom: Philadelphia became a haven for Quakers and other persecuted religious groups, setting a precedent for religious tolerance in America.

• Economic and Cultural Hub: The city quickly grew into a major economic and cultural center in the colonies, attracting a diverse population and fostering trade and industry.

• Political Importance: Philadelphia played a crucial role in American history, serving as the meeting place for the First and Second Continental Congresses and the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted.

The founding of Philadelphia by William Penn on October 27, 1682, laid the groundwork for a city that would become central to the development of American ideals and governance. Its establishment embodied principles of religious freedom and urban planning that influenced the growth of the United States.