Philadelphia: The Historical City of Brotherly Love has a Modern Facade

This is an age where it is fast becoming fashionable to show one's patriotic spirit and truly feel a part of the country of our birth. What better way to get the kids (or yourself!) into the American spirit than a few days in one of the nation's most historical and beautiful cities? Theme parks and other staples of vacation travel can't begin to stand up to the many attractions and valuable vacation experiences you will find here in this huge city. Philadelphia, located in eastern Pennsylvania, the second state admitted to the union, is a visual gold mine of historical lore. True, it has grown up a bit since the colonial era; highways and traffic now thread past narrow cobblestone alleys, and t-shirts and jeans are seen where once gowns and tri-corner hats could be found, but still there is an underlying pulse that shows the truth. Deep inside, the city has never changed.

Let's visit the legend of Philadelphia with a quick blast through history. William Penn, whose name is indelibly stamped in the history of the Keystone State, set down the pattern for what would become Philadelphia, the "city of brotherly love." Where once only Indian villages and settlers' small homesteads sprawled, a city grew up, tending lovingly by generations of loyal Americans. It eventually came to be separated into various districts as were other old and venerable cities such as New York City and Richmond, and was a haven for all sorts of religious groups and ideas. In 1777, the British Army took up residence in Philadelphia, testing the fortitude of the city's populace. In this day and age, Philadelphia is known for its colonial and Victorian architecture, and many homes still stand that bear witness to the turbulent days of the American Revolution and the Civil War.


Witnesses to History


Our tour of Philadelphia will include the Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall, staples of Philadelphia's tourism, but there are many other historic homes to be explored. Old homes and buildings give Philadelphia its rustic undertone, and there are some in particular that you should see to make your experience worthwhile: