Philadelphia: Birthplace of the Nation

locate Philadelphia on a map of Pennsylvania and compare its population with other cities.

Relate the early history of Philadelphia.

Explain the structure of city government.

Describe the economic features of Philadelphia. 

Note the significance of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. 

Identify famous Philadelphians.

Identify famous Philadelphia landmarks.

 

Philadelphia – Birthplace of the Nation

 

A. Location and Size

1. southeastern Pennsylvania

2. located between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers

3. fifth largest city in the United States (2000 census)

4. largest city in Pennsylvania

5. both a city and a county

B. Early History

1. William Penn

a. founded Philadelphia in 1682

b. called "City of Brotherly Love"

c. planned as a center for religious freedom

2. events

a. First Continental Congress (1774)

b. Second Continental Congress (1775)

c. Declaration of Independence (1776)

d. United States Constitution (1787)

e. capital of the United States (1790-1800)

f. center of anti-slavery movement (mid 1800s)

g. center of immigration (19^{th and 20th centuries)}

^{C. Government}

1. Executive Branch

a. mayor

b. deputy mayor

2. Legislative Branch

a. City Council

3. Judicial Branch (court system)

D. Economy

1. can be described as a "hub" of commercial activity

2. evolved into a more diversified economy; geared towards information and service-based industries

3. becoming a center of the arts, entertainment, education, and dining

E. Education

1. second in nation, after Boston, MA, in the number of colleges and universities in the region

F. Transportation Hub

1. Philadelphia International Airport

2. Amtrak 30th Street Station

3. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

G. Archdiocese of Philadelphia

1. administered by an archbishop appointed by the Pope

2. comprised of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties

3. one of the largest dioceses and school districts in the United States

4. second largest parochial school system in the United States

5. ninth largest school district in the United States

6. largest parochial school district in Pennsylvania

7. second largest school district in Pennsylvania