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Why Is Philadelphia Called the City of Brotherly Love?
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William Penn
William Penn
William Penn Portrait of William Penn, founder of Philadelphia.

Why Is Philadelphia Called the City of Brotherly Love?

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Philadelphia is called the “City of Brotherly Love” because its name is derived from the Greek words “philia,” meaning love, and “adelphos,” meaning brother. The name reflects the ideals of its founder, the Quaker leader William Penn. He founded Philadelphia in 1681 with a vision of creating a place where people could enjoy religious freedom and self-governance. He named the city Philadelphia to symbolize his idealistic concepts of tolerance and community. Penn’s intention was to establish a city that would be a “greene Country Towne,” promoting health and safety, and embodying the principles of peace and harmony among its inhabitants.

The Quaker influence in Philadelphia’s early years played a significant role in shaping its identity. Quakers, known for their commitment to equality, peace, and social justice, laid the foundation for a community that valued tolerance and mutual respect. This ethos was reflected in the city’s policies of religious toleration and the right of people to participate in government, attracting a diverse population seeking freedom and opportunity.

The city’s policies of religious toleration and the right of the people to take part in the government, in addition to growing prosperity, soon began to attract thousands of settlers. The city’s strategic location and its role in significant historical events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, further cemented its status as a center of political, economic, and cultural importance.

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