Pennsylvania Welcomes You!
The Land of Virtue, Liberty and Independence
By: Felicia Guo
Origins
Unlike many other colonies which were merely settled, Pennsylvania was a gift from English King Charles II to William Penn in 1681 in gratitude for his loyalty and for his loaning of money to the royal family. William Penn wished for the land charter to become home to the Christian Quakers (Society of Friends) from England and allowed them to have freedom of religion. Furthermore, Penn ushered in many new immigrants from Europe, extending the privilege of religious tolerance to them as well. There are also small sectors of Pennsylvania that were previously settled by the Dutch and the Swedish who were looking for resources to send back as wealth to their nation.
Geography
Pennsylvania is considered a Mid-Atlantic/Middle Colony and borders the colonies of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Pennsylvania also borders Lake Erie and the Delaware River. Philadelphia's strategic position along the Delaware River allowed for it to become a highly commercial, profitable port city which exported goods to trading ships. Furthermore, the colony of Pennsylvania was on a fertile tract of land, allowing many different varieties of crops to prosper. This wealth helped the colony of Pennsylvania thrive and attract new immigrants from all over Europe.
Benjamin Franklin
Born in Boston, Benjamin Franklin later moved to Philadelphia and shared his insight and knowledge with our colony, bringing profits from his science, philosophy, inventions, politics and writings. Franklin opened the first US Library in Pennsylvania in 1731 and tested the lightning rod and proved lightning as electricity in the 1750s. Franklin was the pride of our colony, being a major symbol of individualism and social mobility as he was born into a poor family but worked hard to make a life for himself.
Our Founder
William Penn was our founder, the father of our great colony.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the pride of our colony, is a beautiful, successful port city.
Land of the Quakers
The Quakers are prominent throughout our colony, enjoying the benefits we have to offer.
WHY PENNSYLVANIA IS THE COLONY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
- Wealthy port city of Philadelphia bringing in lots of revenue and jobs
- Religious freedom and tolerance
- Women's rights (to a certain extent)
- Many immigrants = lots of diversity
- Abundant exports for revenue (wheat, iron ore, bricks, livestock, textiles)
- Proprietary colony- consists of Provincial Council and General Assembly (representative government)
Works Cited
Alchin, Linda. "Proprietary Colonies." Land of the Brave. Land of the Brave, n.d. Web. 08 June 2015.
Alchin, Linda. "Trade in the Colonies." Land of the Brave. Land of the Brave, n.d. Web. 08 June 2015.