The city of Philadelphia was founded as part of the colony of Pennsylvania.
It was Sweden, the Netherland, and England who colonized and shared the city first. But after, England took full control of it and the King of England Charles II offered this land to William Penn in 1681 as repayment of debt that he had to his family. William Penn is the founder of the city of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Colony that bears his name.
Further explanation
From college and a trip to France, William Penn was a member of the Quaker Christian religious movement. This movement was prohibited in England, and its followers were persecuted. That's why William spent six months in prison, between 1669 and 1670. Since the death of his father, he inherited a lot of money including a debt that the King of England was repaid to his family. He preferred to receive land in the United States than money, and the king accepted.
The colony of William Penn became a refuge for all English Quakers who were badly treated in their countries. He settled on these lands for religious freedom. He had good relations with the Indians who lived there and signed partnership treaties with them. The city of Philadelphia grew quickly and became the most populous and important city of all North America in the eighteenth century.
Learn moreGerman and Scots-Irish immigrants: The French Huguenots: The differences between middle and southern colonies: Answer details
Subject: History
Chapter: Empire and Identity in the American Colonies
Keywords: the colony of Pennsylvania, the history of Philadelphia, Quaker's movement, the society of friends