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.
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