RED RIDING HOOD

Historic Philadelphia amazed me with fll leaves and its tranquility. The Founding Fathers of the United States gathered here to develop the Free Masonry and build the country. They signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.

Philadelphia at the time of the American Revolution, it was the largest and most important city in America. Founded by William Penn as a place of religious tolerance, its spirit infused the early steps towards independence.

W. Penn named the city Philadelphia, which is Greek for brotherly love (from philos, “love” or “friendship”, and adelphos, “brother”). Penn had experienced religious persecution and wanted his colony to be a place where anyone could worship freely. But Philadelphia is a city of big gay community too.

Because of its loveliness, sometimes is called Philly by its citizens.

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps. My friend and I took a walk down the river and admired the old sailboats, military ships and submarines.

… and is also the home of many U.S. firsts, including the first library (1731), first hospital (1751) and medical school (1765), first Capital (1777), first stock exchange (1790),  first zoo (1874), and first business school (1881).

Most of these buildings can be seen as part of the List of National Historic Landmarks in Philadelphia.  I was actually lucky having a friend who lives there to take a proper walk with me and explain me the meanings.

So how it all began?

Before Europeans arrived, the Philadelphia area was home to the Lenape (Delaware) Indians – hence the name of the river that goes through the city. Upon arrival of Europeans (early 17th century), Lenape communities were weakened by newly introduced diseases, mainly smallpox, and violent conflict with Europeans.

After the charta of the mentioned W. Penn to form the colonie, a number of important philosophical societies were formed, which were centers of the city’s intellectual life. These worked to develop and finance new industries and attract skilled and knowledgeable immigrants from Europe.

Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 until 1800. Dating from these times, Old city impressed me with its charm and warmth.

Another historical place to visit, just to get an idea about Europeans arrivals is the Colonial Germantown Historic District.

From that time is the market as well – the oldest in USA! It is vivid, historic (since there are Amish people selling cheese, donuts, pretzels etc.) and definitely good for opening the appetite.

Talkin’ about food:

A very big role in Philadelphia’s history played the Independence Hall where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. It is the place where the formal announcement of the formation of the League to Enforce Peace was marked, which led to the League of Nations and eventually the United Nations. 

Inside of its tower The Liberty Bell  was housed – actually in the highest chamber of the brick tower. The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence.  In its early years the bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations. Today is located in the Liberty Bell Center.

The Masonic Temple serves as the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons. The building is of Norman style of the building with massive granite cornerstones – typical European.

Some time of his life (19th century) Edgar Allan Poe (the poet and author of the famous Raven) lived in Pennsylvania. This was his house:

What to say more about Philly?

The city is growing, expanding, people are dazzling around… it has this cozy atmosphere of the warm nice fall with colourfull leafes but it shows you all the mighty, power and glory. Like the current City Hall.

The Philadelphia skyline is growing, hence the city is the economic and cultural anchor of the Delaware Valley—a region located in the Northeastern United States.

This was a day and a half in Philadelphia. In the evening we sat at the bankside of the river and watched across the othe, almost conurbated city of New Jersey.