A guide to the map of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, nicknamed as the 'City of Brotherly Love', is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is the fifth most populous city in the entire United States. The city lies about 100 miles south west of New York City, and has played a role in American history, being a key location and contributor of ideas in the American Revolution.

Location and history

Origins Before the arrival of European colonists in the early 17th Century, the area was home to the Delaware nation of Native Americans (the Lenape). Originally a Swedish colony, the area was later conquered by the Dutch before being taken over by the English. Penn William Penn founded the city after apparently meeting with Delaware leader Tammany under an elm tree. Penn was a Quaker, and wanted to foster a spirit of toleration and openness in the city, which helped it become a cultural and political centre in the early period of America's history. Penn's last act in 1701 before leaving the city was to issue a Charter proclaiming Philadelphia a city. The present-day city is located in the middle of the North East Corridor, being 133 miles or so from Washington DC and 55 miles from Atlantic City, as well as being within relatively easy driving range of New York City. The Pennsylvania map will show that Philadelphia is located in the east of the state of Pennsylvania, with Pittsburgh and Erie a fair distance away in the west of the state.

Geography and key locations

The map of Philadelphia will show that the downtown area is laid out on a grid pattern, similar to many other large United States cities. This plan was laid out by the city's founder, William Penn, who had hoped that the city would become a bucolic, almost rural, place. The city is one of the most pedestrian friendly in the US, and there are a host of public transport options for visitors who do not want to drive around the city. One place well worth to visit is the house of first US President George Washington, a place where President John Adams also lived. It is located on Market Street in the central area of the city. The Delaware River forms the eastern flank of the city, and the waterfront provides a key gateway to the city's attractions. The University City section of the town lies west across the Schuylkill River, while the Benjamin Franklin parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue are the route sin the north west which lead to many of the city's cultural attractions and Fairmount Park. A PA state map will also show visitors that some key American Civil War sites lie not far from the city, to its west.