Some Interesting Facts About the City of Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia is one of the most historically rich cities in the United States. The city was founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker, but before Penn arrived the city was occupied by the Swedish in 1638, and by the Dutch, before that, in 1623. Philadelphia is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States and played a significant role during the American Revolution.
This historically and culturally rich city is a favorite for many people around the world and we unpack some of those reasons.
The Birthplace of American Independence
Being one of the largest colonial cities in the 18th Century, Philadelphia was an obvious choice for the location of the First and Second Continental Congresses and Constitutional Convention. Here the Founding Fathers of the United States came together, at the Pennsylvania State House, and signed the Declaration of Independence. The frameworks of the American government were drafted as well as the country’s constitution. Philadelphia also served as the Capital of the United States during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams.
Advancements in the Medical Field
Philadelphia was home to the country’s first medical hospital. The Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in 1751 by Dr Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin as a means to care for the “sick, poor and insane”. Philadelphia is also home to America’s first hospital dedicated just to kids. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is still up and running today. It has also been noted that one if every six doctors in the US have been trained in the city.
The First Fully Programmable Electronic Computer
The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was designed and built in Philadelphia between 1943 and 1946. The ENIAC was the world’s first programmable general-purpose digital computer. The computer was built to assist with war efforts during WWII. The ENIAC cost the government $400 000 to build and was first used to conduct the calculations for the world’s first hydrogen bomb.
Mural Capital of the United States
The city of Philadelphia is home to over 3800 public art murals. Philadelphia is home to many talented and world-renowned artists, many of whom have contributed to spilling their talents and artworks across the city’s landscape. Outside of Paris, Philadelphia is also home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings, including the work of Monet’s Japanese Footbridge and Water Lilly Pond as well as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
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