Little Known Facts About Philly: The City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia served as the nation's temporary capital from 1790 until 1800. Washington served as president during this time, making him the only president who didn't live in Washington, D.C. during his presidential years.

Benjamin Franklin's gravesite is located at the Christ Church. The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is located in the rotunda of The Franklin Institute Science Museum, housing several of his original items including his composing table, original publications and his odometer.

The first daily newspaper, The Philadelphia Packet and Daily Advertiser, was published in Philadelphia from September 21, 1784 to December 31, 1790.

The Philly cheese steak sandwich was invented in 1930 in South Philly at Pat's King of Steaks, still located on Passyunk Ave., directly across from their competitors, Geno's Steaks. Both are open 24 hours a day and are visited by celebrities, visitors and locals, alike.

The Moshulu ship has crossed the seas to Europe, South America, Australia, America and Africa, hauling lumber, coal, grain and various other cargo. She has been converted into an award-winning restaurant, residing at Penn's Landing.

The annual Mummer's parade is held in Philadelphia on New Year's Day. This tradition is held outdoors and consists of comics, fancies and string bands. Local clubs practice all year and create their own costumes in hopes of winning cash prizes. Learn how to do the mummer's strut at the Mummer's Museum

Philadelphia host's Welcome America, an annual, weeklong celebration of the independence of our nation. Music, dancing, parades, and fireworks are just some of the festivities to be enjoyed.

Philadelphia has many "firsts" to its credit including: the first American flag to be created in 1777; The Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts was the first museum in the United States, founded in 1805; The first United States Mint, opened in 1792; The Library Company of Philadelphia, was the first Library in the United States, founded in 1731; The University of Pennsylvania was the first university in the United States, founded in 1765; The Philadelphia Zoo is America's first public zoo,

Independence National Historical Park is known as the birthplace of our nation and includes the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created. Tours are available all year long.

Bill Cosby, Will Smith, Kevin Bacon, Seth Green, Richard Gere, Peter Boyle and Kevin Eubanks are just some popular entertainers that were born in the City of Brotherly Love.

Check out:
http://riverfrontmummers.com/museum.html
http://www.americasbirthday.com/
http://www.nps.gov/inde/