Philadelphia History: Americas Birthplace

From 1774 to 1800, Philadelphia was linked to the American Revolution.
Independence National Historical Park, 'America's most historic square mile', has two of the USA's most famous monuments to freedom : The Liberty Bell, symbol of the nation's freedom, and the Independence Hall, the birthplace of the nation, where a group of dissatisfied colonists adopted Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Philadelphia was the Nation's capital from 1790 to 1800.

Founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker, Penn named Philadelphia, meaning 'City of Brotherly Love ' in Greek, to reflect his view toward religious tolerance.

Due to it's excellent location on the Atlantic Coast and accessible port facilities, Philadelphia grew rapidly in the 18th century until it was the second largest English speaking city in the world. Called the 'Athens of the Americas' it was the cultural of the New Philadelphia a city of American 'Firsts'.

Philadelphia today is a vibrant city with world class museums, restaurants, hotels, exciting nightlife, cultural and entertainment venues. The city combines Old World architecture with modern buildings.