1. Objective:
Take notes that will help you support the following objective:
I can explain why Philadelphia was an important colonial city.

2. Philadelphia Located in Middle Colonies
Key shipping location for food going back to Europe
Founded in 1682
One of the oldest cities
First planned city
Until 1870’s – the largest city in America
Received a large # of indentured servants, like Ben Franklin
But was one of the first cities to ban indentured servants.
Indentured servents:
were men and women who signed a contract by which they agreed to work for a certain number of years in exchange for transportation to Virginia and, once they arrived, food, clothing, and shelter.

3. Other Philadelphia Firsts
Public Park
Paper Mill
Public School
Newspaper in the colonies - The American Weekly Mercury

4. Volunteer Fire Company
Public owned fire engine
Hospital
Botanical Garden
For medical research

5. Acting Company
Scientific Institution
Fire insurance company

6. Brick House (William Penn’s)
Bell cast in the America’s
Medical School – The University of Pennsylvania

7. Permanent Theater house
Life insurance company
Carpet / rug company