Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, also known as "Philly", boasts a population of nearly 1.5 million residents. Located in the scenic Delaware River Valley, the city of Philadelphia makes up the entire county. Philadelphia is the most populated city in PA.

While the tribes of Delaware Indians were the original occupants in the area, William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682. He developed the area based on Quaker principles of freedom and religious tolerance, hoping that the city would be a model of this philosophy. As a result, Philadelphia played a primary role in the independence movement during the American Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution originated here, in Independence Hall.

Philadelphia is renowned as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, however, this city has more to offer than historical sites and cobblestone streets. Millions of tourists come to Philadelphia County annually to experience its world-class museums, local culinary treats, lively theatrical performances, unique shops and sporting events as well as venues representing over three hundred years of American history. Among the most popular tourist destinations are the Betsy Ross House, the Please Touch Museum, Penn's Landing, Philadelphia Zoo and One Liberty Place, the tallest building in the city. Independence National Historic Park holds the greatest concentration of American history. It is home to Independence Hall and the world-renowned Liberty Bell. Annual citywide celebrations include the Mummers Parade, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Wing Bowl and the Philadelphia Auto Show.

With over two hundred years of athletic competition, top-rate facilities, ten professional teams, over sixty intercollegiate athletic programs, and an annual sports calendar brimming with events, Philadelphia clearly lives up to its reputation as a premier sports town.  Professional teams include the Eagles football team, Phillies baseball, Flyers hockey and the 76ers basketball team. In addition, Philadelphia sports fans are proud of the fact that they were recently awarded six of the next seven Army/Navy football games through 2009.

Philadelphia County operates its own stock exchange and boasts a strong economy with numerous national companies thriving in the current market. Divisions of the United States Mint, the Federal Reserve Bank and a large contingent of law firms represent the important role that the Federal Government plays in Philadelphia. In addition to the dynamic economic opportunities, Philadelphia County provides a myriad of public schools, private schools and nearly twenty higher education facilities.  These include the Philadelphia University, La Salle University, Thomas Jefferson University and the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania symbolizes America's freedom at its finest. With its thriving economy and its wide array of cultural and educational opportunities, this historical city / county holds a secure economic future for businesses and families alike.

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