Philadelphia - History and Overview

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Philadelphia is famous for many things from its many professional sports teams to the Philly cheesesteak sandwich to its rich history in the formation of the United States of America. Many refer to Philadelphia as the birthplace of the United States of America.

Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love. The motto of The City of Brotherly Love came from William Penn, who in 1681 received a charter from the crown of England for a colony on the Delaware River. He was a Quaker, who had a special vision for the city, which he envisioned would become a place where people of any background or race could live together in peace and harmony.

In 1800, Philadelphia was the largest city in the United States, a distinction that it held until 1830. In 2004, Philadelphia was ranked the 5th largest city in the United States, with a population of 1,470,151.

Philadelphia can also brag of many famous citizens who are Philadelphians. Some of the more famous Philadelphia natives are Edgar Allen Poe, Stan Getz, May Ray, Frankie Avalon, Patti LaBelle, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Cosby, and the vocal group Boyz II Men. Of course, the city’s most famous citizen is Benjamin Franklin.



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