Philadelphia (PA)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Commonly referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest in the nation, with a population of 1.6 million (2020).

Philadelphia is known for its extensive contributions to U.S. history. The city served as the nation’s capital until 1800. Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate of religious freedom. The city served as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony during the British colonial era and went on to play a historic and vital role as the central meeting place for the nation’s founding fathers.

Philadelphia hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774, preserved the Liberty Bell, and hosted the Second Continental Congress during which the founders signed the Declaration of Independence. The U.S. Constitution was later ratified in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Philadelphia remained the nation’s largest city until 1790.

With 18 four-year universities and colleges, Philadelphia is one of the nation’s leading centers for higher education and academic research. In 2021, Time magazine named Philadelphia one of the world’s greatest 100 places. Two years later, in 2023, travel guide publisher Lonely Planet ranked Philadelphia the best city in the nation to visit.