Before Philadelphia Was Philly: The City's Early Names 

Before Philadelphia Was Philly: The City's Early Names 

Before Philadelphia Was Philly: The City's Early Names 

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Before Philadelphia Was Philly: The City's Early Names Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love," boasts a rich history that predates its founding by William Penn in 1682. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Lenape Native Americans, and their influence on the region's early names was significant. Let's delve into the fascinating past of this iconic city:  

The Lenape and Their Land

The Lenape people, also known as the Delaware Indians, inhabited the Delaware Valley for thousands of years before European contact. They called the area around present-day Philadelphia "Shackamaxon," meaning " where the chief was crowned." This name reflects the area's importance as a gathering place and political center for the Lenape.  

Another significant Lenape settlement in the area was "Passyunk," meaning "in the valley," located near the confluence of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Today, the name lives on as a vibrant South Philadelphia neighborhood.  

Early European Settlements and Names

The Swedes were the first Europeans to settle in the Philadelphia area and established a colony in the mid-17th century. They called their settlement "Wicaco," a name derived from the Lenape word "Wiccacoe," meaning "pleasant place."

The Dutch later took control of the area and established a trading post called "Fort Beversrede" in 1655. However, their presence was short-lived, as the English seized the colony in 1664.



William Penn and the Birth of Philadelphia

In 1681, King Charles II granted William Penn a large tract of land in North America to repay a debt owed to his father. Penn, a Quaker seeking religious freedom and tolerance, envisioned a new city built on those principles.  

He chose the name "Philadelphia," derived from the Greek words "philos" (love) and "adelphos" (brother), reflecting his vision of a city founded on brotherly love. The name also had biblical connections in a town in Asia Minor mentioned in the Book of Revelation.  



Philadelphia's Evolution

Philadelphia quickly grew into a major city from its humble beginnings as a small settlement. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as the meeting place for the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  


Today, Philadelphia remains a vibrant and diverse city, a testament to its rich history and the enduring vision of its founder, William Penn. While the names "Shackamaxon" and "Wicaco" may have faded into the past, they remind the Lenape people who first called this land home.

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