Lesson 2

William Penn named the main city in Pennsylvania: PHILADELPHIA The word “Philadelphia” means brotherly love. This town was founded on the idea that all types of different people could get along.

Penn wanted his colony of Pennsylvania to be divided into townships. Each township would be 5000 acres. Every family would be in walking distance of one another and the church. Townships were shaped like a pie.

Philadelphia was DIFFERENT than other townships. The plan for Philadelphia was that it looked like a checkerboard. It would have straight streets and open spaces.

Philadelphia was near good land and waterways. Therefore it was very good for trading. By 1710 it was the largest city in the English colonies.

This town welcomed many immigrants. People came for religious freedom and economic opportunity. People living in Philadelphia in 1700’s: Irish Catholics German Lutherans Jews Free Africans

Germans’ contributions to Philadelphia: Barn raisings Long-barrel guns (most accurate in the world) Conestoga wagons

As a citizen of Philadelphia Ben Franklin organized the first firefighting company. He worked to have Philadelphia’s streets paved and lit at night. He raised money to build the first hospital in the city. He also organized a volunteer army. Ben started the first public library.

Ben Franklin was also a scientist. It is believed he proved that lightning is a form of electricity. Key and kite during a thunderstorm Franklin invented the lightning rod. This helped buildings struck by lightning stay standing. Ben was a printer and published “ The Pennsylvania Gazette” and “Poor Richard’s Almanac.”