From the Delaware river to the Schuylkill river. From High, aka Market, Street to Dock Creek is the original plan of Philadelphia. This city started with caves dug in the banks of the river or a shabby hut in the center of the land area. The kettle swinging on a transverse between two poles above a home spun fire pit. The Swedish and the Dutch were the first to arrive here and meet the native people. The new settlers sure worked hard and fast to bring this town up to a better standard of living. The city grew and grew as it added on the “suburbs” of the early conception.
The first additions to the city areas were Southwark, Moyamensing, Northern Liberties, Kensigton, Spring Garden, Pen District and West Philadelphia. They were all pretty much one town built up side by side. From there there were other townships and settlements that grew from there. There were about 18 areas that eventually became a part of the “city of Philadelphia” as their streets connected and boundaries touched. In 1854 all of the settlements finally came together under one municipal government. The districts of the city are still marked from the original growth of the city, however, many of the unique markers of individuality have now disappeared.
Philadelphia went on to be the home of many of the founding fathers. There were many significant events that took place in Philadelphia that contributed to the United States we know of today. It was one of the largest original cities in the new world. In 1775 the Congress was in session in Philadelphia and the order of the day was to elect Benjamin Franklin to be the first Postmaster General of the United Colonies. He established a Pony Express which took mail from New York to Philadelphia two times a week. This of course grew to be a country wide delivery from the Hudson River to the New Golden Gate Bridge. One year later the Declaration of Independence was adopted and and read from the State House Yard by John Nixon. Now it’s time to check into a fine hotel, Philadelphia has many, and see the history for yourself.
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