The City of Brotherly Love: Part 2 of 6 - The Historic Sites & Famous People of Philadelphia......A series of Blogs

Philadelphia is one of the most historically important cities on the U.S.A. It was settled in the 1640s by the Swedes. In 1681, Charles II of England granted land to William Penn in what is now Pennsylvania. Penn chose Philadelphia as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1682 (which it remained until 1799), optimistically naming it after the Greek for 'brotherly love.'

William Penn>>>>>>

Although the Revolutionary fighting originated in the Boston area, Philadelphia became the center of political activities. The First Continental Congress met here in 1774. The Declaration of Independence was drafted in Philadelphia in 1776. During the Revolution, Philadelphia acted as the capital. The Constitution was also drafted in Philadelphia, 1787. The first presidents George Washington and John Adams governed from Philadelphia. 

The city is 136 square miles in size and has a population of 1,517,550 people (2000 census). The metropolitan area has 6,188,463 people (2000 census). It is the 5th largest city and 4th metropolitan area in the US despite current negative growth.

Historic Sites:  Liberty Bell

The bell was originally called the State House Bell or the Province Bell. The bell was first called the Liberty Bell around 1839 by abolitionist (anti-slavery) publications. The Liberty Bell symbolizes freedom in the United States of America. The bell was originally cast in 1752 in London, England. It was commissioned as a bell for the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall).

The Crack: The bell first cracked during a test ringing. After cracking, the bell was recast twice in 1753 in Philadelphia. The restored bell was probably rung at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia (on July 8, 1776). It rang to announce many important events in early American history, including Presidential elections and deaths.

The new $12.6 million Liberty Bell Center offers a video presentation and exhibits about the Liberty Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom.

This majestic brick building was the Colonies' grandest public edifice when it was built in 1732.  Erected as the Pennsylvania State House, it was restored in 1830 and again in 1950. Today, it more closely resembles its original 1776 appearance, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

Betsy Ross House

 Not only was the Betsy Ross House (left) a famous site, but so was Betsy Ross herself a famous person. (right)

Ross never owned this house, but rented here between the years of 1773 and 1786. The house was built about 1740 and consists of 2-1/2 floors and nine rooms. Betsy and her husband, John Ross, lived here and ran their upholstery business out of the house as well.

Valley Forge 20 minutes west of the City of Philadelphia

The main reason behind the Revolutionary War: Great Britain had given cause of complaint to her colonies by restricting each province to the use of its own manufactures and preventing the importation of their respective fabrics. Completely discouraging all manufactures. The injury felt by the colonies was not at the time of much consequence; but the regulation was in itself considered an insult to the understanding of human rights.                                            

Then American Trade was restricted West of the Indies. This added fule to the fire. And because of the expenses of the previous wars that Britain had faced, they basically needed to recoup these costs. This is when they started to tax the colonies on certain articles of importation. All of these issues are what caused the uprising in which we know as the Revolutionary War.                         

Famous People:         

Philadelphia can claim such famous people as Ben Franklin, Besty Griscom Ross (flag maker), George Washington (born in Va), W.C. Fields (comedian), Bill Cosby (actor), Tara Lipinski (figure skater), Wilt Chamberlain (basketball player), Bernard Hopkins (boxer), Grace Kelly (actress), Will Smith (actor & musician), Frankie Avalon (musician), The Hooters (rock group), Donald Barthelme (author), Alexander Calder (sculptor)and so many more. (part of this was taken from my first blog)

Benjamin Franklin

No Philadelphian of Colonial times is better known than Benjamin Franklin .  He was the most widely known and easily recognized American of his day. Franklin's life took him from a career in printing and writing to a life of scientific research, and finally, to the diplomatic arena where he helped found and later served the new nation - The United States of America.

Inventions

• bifocals -- catheter -- Franklin stove -- glass -- lightning rod -- odometer -- rocking chair -- street lamp.

Important dates of history of Benjamin Franklin 

1718 Begins an apprenticeship at his brother's print shop.

1729 Becomes owner and publisher of "The Philadelphia Gazette."   1731 Founds first public library

1737 Appointed Postmaster in Philadelphia                                   1746 Begins experiments in electricity 

1775 Elected to the Continental Congress                                     1776 Signs the Declaration of Independence

1779 Appointed Minister to France                                                 1790 Dies in Philadelphia on April 17

Here are a few links for touring Philadelphia: Historical Tours By Philadelphia and Transportation for ...

Here are links to my Series of blogs in regards to Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love: The Introduction of Philadelphia & what the city has to offer.....  &  The City of Brotherly Love: Part 1 - Philadelphia Sports ...... A series of blogs.