An American city rich in historical and cultural charm, Philadelphia offers a fabulous assortment of attractions and an eclectic variety of Old World cuisines.

Philadelphia's history began in March 1681 when England's King Charles II granted William Penn a charter to a portion of land west of the Delaware River. Charles named the area 'Penn' in honor of William's father. Later, William added '-sylvania,' meaning 'woodlands.' Penn designated Philadelphia as the capital of Pennsylvania, which in Greek means 'brotherly love'. Philadelphia soon became the meeting venue for colonial leaders. In 1790, it was established as the first temporary capital of the United States, and became the home of the Declaration of Independence. Today, Philadelphians pridefully boast their city's cultural and scientific roots.

Historical Firsts for Philadelphia ( http://web.ask.com/ )

• Philadelphia is home to the nation's first public grammar school, now known as the William Penn Charter School, founded in 1689.
• Philadelphia is home to the nation's first public library - the Free Library of Philadelphia - founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731.
• The first volunteer fire department, the Union Fire Company, was founded in Philadelphia in 1736 by Benjamin Franklin.
• The Pennsylvania Hospital, founded by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Bond, opened its doors in 1751 - the first hospital in America. In addition, Philadelphia is home to the nation's first medical school, first children's hospital, first cancer hospital, first eye hospital, first nursing school and first dental school!
• The concept of lightning being electricity was discovered by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 when he was able to draw lightning from the clouds by means of a kite.
• The first flag of the United States was sewn in Philadelphia in 1777 by Betsy Ross.
• The first university in America, the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1779, traces its roots to a tuition-free school founded in 1740.
• Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States from 1790 - 1800.
• The first stock exchange in the United States was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, which organized in 1790.
• The first mint in the United States opened in Philadelphia in 1792. For the first time standardized coins were issued for the new nation.
• The first municipal water system in the country, the Philadelphia Water Works, began operation in 1799.
• The first art school and art museum in America, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, was founded in Philadelphia in 1805.
• The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, organized in 1827, is the oldest continually operating horticultural society in the United States. The Philadelphia Flower Show, first held in 1829 and sponsored by the Society, was the first large flower show in the country.
• In 1874 the Philadelphia Zoo became the first zoo to open in the United States.
• The first World's Fair held in the new world was held in Philadelphia in 1876 to mark the centennial of the United States.
• The PSFS Building in downtown Philadelphia became the nation's first modern skyscraper (notably fully air-conditioned) when it opened its doors in 1932.
• The world's first computer, ENIAC, was built at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Independence Hall - Considered the birthplace of the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1776, the Articles of Confederation uniting the thirteen (13) colonies were ratified in 1781 and the Constitution setting out the nations's basic laws was adopted in 1787. Finished in 1753, it is a modest brick structure with a steeple that was intended to hold a 2,080 pound bell. The bell, however, has cracked twice and stands silently on the ground in a special shelter (a reproduction now hangs in the steeple). (http://www.cr.nps.gov/worldheritage/ind.htm)

Congress Hall - The United States Congress used the building as its meeting place from 1790 until the turn of the century, during which time Alexander Hamilton's proposals for institutions were heard. Perhaps the hall's biggest claim to fame is that the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution within its hallowed halls. Other important events which occurred within Congress Hall were the addition of new states like Tennessee and Vermont, and the inaugurations of John Adams and of George Washington in 1797, which took place on the second floor of the building. (http://philadelphia.travelape.com/attractions/congress-hall/)

Independence Square - Where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public on July 4, 1776.

Liberty Bell Pavilion - The Liberty Bell Pavilion was opened in 1976, in preparation for the nation's bicentennial celebrations. Now, on every Fourth of July, the bell is rung (symbolically tapped), in unison with thousands of bells across the nation. It was replaced with a new pavilion in the fall of 2003.

Did you know?
A bell for the Pennsylvania State House was cast in London, England, however, it cracked soon after it arrived in Philadelphia. Local craftsmen John Pass and John Stow cast a new bell in 1753, using metal from the English bell. Their names appear on the front of the bell, along with the city and the date.

By 1846 a thin crack began to affect the sound of the bell. The bell was repaired in 1846 and rang for a George Washington birthday celebration, but the bell cracked again and has not been rung since. No one knows why the bell cracked either time.

The bell weighs about 2000 pounds. It is made of 70% copper, 25% tin, and small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver. It hangs from what is believed to be its original yoke, made from American elm, also known as slippery elm.
( http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell.html )

Elfreth's Alley - Walk along one of the most historical streets in Philadelphia, named after Jeremiah Elfreth, who in the mid-18th century rented homes in the Alley to mariners and colonial artisans. With the introduction of the industrial age in the early 1900's, the Alley became home to factories and factory workers. The Alley's homes pridefully display the 18th and early 18th century Georgian and Federal architecture, which were very popular in Philadelphia during that time. Philadelphians have done an excellent job in preserving this remarkable walk into the past.

Betsy Ross House - Visit the house where our American heritage was woven. On a self-guided tour you can go back in time while walking through this nine-room house, which was built in 1740. John and Betsy Ross lived here from 1773 to 1786. Notable rooms in the house to view are: the Flag Room, the Upholstery Shop, and the Musket Ball Room. And be sure to walk upstairs and visit the Children's Room and Betsy's bedroom, which include 18th century furnishings.

New Constitution Center - An interactive museum of the nation's history. Unveiling of the Center took place on July 4, 2003. The Center stands as a reminder for all Americans that the constitution is a dynamic document that moves and changes over time to meet the needs of all American citizens.