Philadelphia Historic Timeline -
1775: The first shots of the American Revolution are fired in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. Paul Revere saddles up in Boston and heads south to City Tavern, to share the news.
Benjamin Franklin returns from England to help further the cause of independence.
The Second Continental Congress convenes in the Pennsylvania State House. Delegates arrive from the 13 colonies. They begin heated discussions about relations with Great Britain. Congress names George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Washington leaves Philadelphia for Boston to take charge of the American forces there. Led by Pennsylvania delegate John Dickinson, Congress submits the Olive Branch Petition to Parliament in a last-ditch effort to establish peace.
Benjamin Franklin is named Postmaster General of the United Colonies. America’s first and still operating post office opens. The B. Free Franklin Post Office offers hand-cancelled stamps marked “B. Free Franklin.”
The Pennsylvania Abolition Society is founded, the first organization in the American colonies to work formally to end the practice of slavery.
Congress authorizes the creation of the Continental Navy. Irish-American John Barry of Philadelphia is commissioned a captain of the Navy in 1776.
Samuel Nicholas, born a Quaker, forms the U.S. Marine Corps by tradition in Tun Tavern, once on Water Street and Tun Alley. A Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker on Front Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets commemorates Tun Tavern and the Marines.
Total population of Philadelphia is approximately 31,400.
Also Check Out These Historic Pages:
- Philadelphia History of Beer The American Libation
- Philadelphia's African-American History in Philadelphia
- History of Philadelphia's Independence Mall