Philadelphia – Historical City of Independence (1151)

Philadelphia, which was founded in 1682 by William Penn, a prominent statesman, was a large city in Colonial America. Even now some parts of the old city remind one of the past. Visitors can walk along the old streets; see the old houses and public buildings.

Here in 1774 the first Congress of delegates from all the colonies was held. Among the delegates were men of great fame, such as George Washington and John Adams, the first and second Presidents of the USA. The main decision of the First Continental Congress was to unite the efforts of all the colonies against Great Britain.

The second Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia a year later, decided to organize an army to defend the colonies. George Washington was chosen commander-in-chief and the War of Independence began. The Congress named a committee of five to draw up the Declaration of Independence. The work was actually done by Thomas Jefferson, then 33 years old. On July 4, 1776 the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Celebration of the fourth of July as Independence Day began the next year.

Philadelphia was the city where the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1788-1789. In 1790 the first Congress met in Philadelphia and decided that Philadelphia would be the capital of the USA while the federal capital in Washington, D.C. was being built. It remained the capital for the next 10 years.

Check your comprehension.

1. When was Philadelphia founded? 2. Why is the city called historical city of independence? 3. What reminds of the city's past? 4. What was the main decision of the first Congress? 5. What did the second Continental Congress result in? 6. Where was it held? 7. What have you got to know about the Independence Hall? 8. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? 9. What other important documents were signed in the Independence Hall?

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