Philadelphia: The Birthplace of FreedomPhiladelphia, as the first capital of the United States, is the site of the "most historic square mile in all of America." Here are found the Liberty Bell Pavilion and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the United States Constitution was written in 1787. The 2,700-acre Valley Forge National Park is a major historic site. Here General Washington and his Continental Army wintered after defeats at nearby Brandywine Battlefield and the battle of Germantown. Nineteenth-century Philadelphia prospered and grew during the Industrial Revolution, becoming one of the most productive manufacturing centers in the world prior to 1950. Philadelphia's artistic traditions begun by Benjamin West and Charles Wilson Peale, are sustained today. There are approximately 40 art associations, schools of art, museums and other collections, public and private. Among the most notable are the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (chartered 1805), where Thomas Eakins was an instructor, the Rodin Museum, which has more than 200 original statues, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, not only a great art museum but also a celebrated architectural site, and the Brandywine River Museum, featuring the work of Andrew Wyeth. The world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Ballet perform at the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music. The Pennsylvania Opera Theater as well as a great many other theaters of dance, music and drama are among the other advantages of life in the Philadelphia area. The Franklin Institute, founded in 1824, is a public museum devoted to the promotion of science and technology. Among their many exhibits is a state-of-the-art planetarium. The Academy of Natural Science, founded in 1812, is the oldest such institution in the United States. Among its displays are life-size robotic dinosaurs. Major league sports opportunities abound in Philadelphia, where the notoriously demanding fans are often as entertaining as the teams. Many of the teams have had great athletic success, with each winning national championships in their respective sports. Finally, one of Philadelphia's greatest assets is its general location. Short trips take you to the Lancaster region, famous for the lifestyle of the Amish farm people, to the Pocono mountains for skiing, camping or hiking, to the New Jersey seashore, or to Longwood Gardens, a 180-acre botanical garden with palatial fountains and buildings, founded by Pierre S. du Pont. In addition, one can easily reach, by train or car, Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City or Boston. You will find the Philadelphia area an enjoyable place to live as well as a place friends and family will love to visit. |
