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Philadelphia - interesting facts

Philadelphia is a large city and port in southeastern Pennsylvania. Its name is taken from the Greek words meaning City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia was founded and named by William Penn, the Quaker, in 1682. (See facts on William Penn)

The city lies on the Delaware River, which links it with the Atlantic. Philadelphia is the world's largest freshwater port and an important transport center. Its chief industries include building construction, food processing, the manufacture of metal and machinery, petroleum refining, printing and publishing, and textiles.

Philadelphia interesting facts: The City Hall stands at the end of Broad Street in downtown Philadelphia. A large statue of William Penn stands on the top of City Hall	Philadelphia interesting facts: The modern John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Philadelphia.

The city is also the site of a government mint and arsenals. Its 17 universities and colleges include Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore and Haverford. The Civic Center houses Convention Hall and a trade museum. It also has the oldest scientific institute in America, the Academy of Natural Sciences, founded in 1812. The Academy.of Music, built in 1856, houses Philadelphia's orchestra, a ballet company and two opera companies. Other places of special interest include the Rodin Museum and the Edgar Allan Ðîå House.

Philadelphia has a population of 1,547,901. The city has its own baseball, hockey, football and basketball teams. The John F. Kennedy Stadium attracts thousands of sports fans each year.

Philadelphia interesting facts: In colonial times, Philadelphia was the largest, wealthiest city in North America. It was the center of philosophy, drama, music, art and science. The first American magazine was published in Philadelphia (1741), and the first daily newspaper (1784). The city was also a leading political center. Before the Revolutionary War, Philadelphia was the seat of the Continental Congresses. For several years after the war, it was the nation's capital. Many historic buildings still stand. They include Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed, the constitution framed, and the Liberty Bell hung, and Carpenters Hall, where the First Continental Congress was held. The first Bank of the United States was founded in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin in 1795. Philosophical Hall, home of the American Philosophical Society, was founded in the city by Benjamin Franklin in 1743.

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