Colonial Philadelphia Lesson 2 Early Colonial Days William

Colonial Philadelphia Lesson 2

Early Colonial Days �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 waterways. �Therefore it was very good for trading. �By 1710 it was the largest city in the English colonies.

The People of Philadelphia �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

Benjamin Franklin �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. ”