Philadelphia’s moniker is “The City of Brotherly Love.” With a population of 1.4 million, Philadelphia is the sixth most populous city in the United States. The city prides itself in its rich history as one of the original thirteen colonies when these United States were just forming.
Brief History of Philadelphia
During European occupation, Philadelphia was a Quaker colony where anyone could worship without persecution. This enabled the Europeans and the Native Americans to have better relations than reported at the other colonies. This tolerance led to Philadelphia’s rapid growth and catapulted it to be later known as “America’s greatest city and trading center.
In the latter half of the nineteenth century, immigrants from Russia, Eastern Europe, Italy and African Americans from the south flocked to Philadelphia. By the twentieth century the population swelled to two million residents. In the 1950’s the city had a reputation for being “corrupt” with mob violence and police officials’ involvement in illegal deals.
The economic sectors of Philadelphia are food processing, health care, oil refining and tourism. The city is home to internet and cable provider Comcast, insurance giant CIGNA and a division of Boeing helicopters.
Modern Philadelphia
History and progress are juxtaposed as America’s sacred and historic sites and artifacts are surrounded by modern cars, trains and bikes. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Liberty Bell is perhaps the city’s most famous artifact. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest in the United States and its steps were made famous in the blockbuster movie Rocky.
Modern history is also in the making in Philadelphia. It boasts the most public art than any other U.S. city. The Department of Recreation launched a Mural Arts Program that beautifies public spaces and neighborhoods. This program provides an outlet for graffiti artists. Over 2,800 murals have been funded and 20,000 underserved youth became educated.
Philly’s Fun Side
There is no doubt that Philadelphians love their city. It’s been said that a true Philadelphian doesn’t consider him/herself a Pennsylvanian; just a pure Philadelphian. It is in this spirit that the city celebrates its uniqueness in outdoor summer music festivals at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. `”Crewing” or seated, rowed boat races ignites spectators along the Schuylkill River.
Dine Like a Local Philadelphian
Center City is the place to go for a unique dining experience, in particular, Broad Street. South Street offers up an eclectic, yet, hipster vibe. Old City also has some good restaurants. Locals tear up the dance floor at Zanzibar Blue and Black Lily where a variety of jazz, R&B and soul performances can be viewed. For more casual dining the food trucks reign supreme. These roving restaurants serve up the famous Philly cheese steak sandwiches, hoagies, soft pretzels, scrapple and water ice.
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