Some People Don’t Know That Philadelphia Was The First To Do These 11 Things
By Kim Magaraci|Updated on June 10, 2023(Originally published June 05, 2023)
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
As one of the most historic cities in all of America, it makes sense that the history of our great city includes many things Philly did first. We’ve literally changed not only the country, but the entire world through the course of Philadelphia history. There are so many Philadelphia firsts, many thanks to our famous founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin and William Penn. We can brag about so many inventions from Philadelphia and things Philly did first. Here are a few of the most notable Philadelphia firsts:
1. Philadelphia was home to the very first zoo in America.
The first zoo in America was chartered in 1859. However, the outbreak of the Civil War delayed the opening of the Philadelphia Zoo until July 1, 1874. When the zoo opened, the collection numbered around 1,000 animals, and admission was only a quarter. Today, the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the best zoos in the entire world. It's renowned for breeding animals that otherwise struggle in captivity, and it's known as a worldwide leader in conservation efforts for many endangered species.
2. Another great Philadelphia first: we were home to the first lending library in America.
In the 1730s, books were hard to come by for the average American citizen. Books were expensive, and there weren't any public libraries. On July 1, 1731, Ben Franklin and a group of members from the philosophical organization known as "The Junto" decided to help solve this problem and make reading more accessible. The group drew up an agreement to form a library. Books were ordered from London, and the library's motto was a Latin phrase that means "to support the common good is divine." A few of the books in the library's collection were donated by Benjamin Franklin himself.
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3. Philadelphia opened up the first hospital in America.
Dr. Thomas Bond first sought to create a public hospital in the United States in the 1750s. With the help of Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania Hospital was founded on May 11, 1751. Pennsylvania Hospital was also home to America's first surgical amphitheater. In another Philadelphia first, the hospital would house the first medical library in the country. The main building, which dates back to 1756, still stands today.
William Penn founded the city in 1682. He created a grid that was based around five squares, which are now known as Rittenhouse, Washington, Logan, Franklin, and City Hall. This was the very first time a North American city had been officially planned.
5. Philadelphia was home to the world's first computer.
It may not look like the computers we know and use daily today, but ENIAC was the world's first all-purpose digital computer. It was invented at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946. Can you imagine where we'd be without it? It's incredible to think that we now hold more computing power than this in our hands each day!
6. The first department store parade was in Philadelphia.
The very first department store parade was the 1920 Gimbel's Thanksgiving Day parade, which took place in Philadelphia. Macy's may be the famous one today, but their New York parade didn't start until four years later, after they saw the success of teh Philadelphia holiday celebration.
7. Here's another invention from Philadelphia that's used pretty frequently: the first American flag was sewn here.
Okay, there's no concrete evidence that Betsy Ross was the actual designer of the first American flag. However, it is certain that an upholsterer or seamstress in Philadelphia was the first to make the many flags that the colonial troops were to carry into battle during the American Revolution.
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8. The first fourth of July celebration took place in Philadelphia.
The country was just a year old when cannons were fired across the Delaware River from Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. The celebration marked one year since independence had been declared from Britain from the cobblestone streets of Philadelphia.
9. The first "university" in America opened up in Philadelphia.
While Harvard, William and Mary, Yale, and Princeton often fight this claim, it's true that UPenn was the first medical school in the country - it was founded in 1765. Therefore, it was the very first American school to offer both undergraduate and graduate education. It was also the first institution in the country to use the title "university."
10. The first American volunteer fire company was in Philly.
Benjamin Franklin's Bucket Brigade at the Union Fire Company was the very first volunteer fire department in the country. It was founded back in 1736. Where would our city be without Ben?!
11. The first museum in America opened up in Philadelphia.
The Museum of the American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743. This makes it the oldest museum in America. The society is even considered the country's first "learned" society.
These Philadelphia firsts are just a small sample of the incredible history that our great city can brag about! Walk the streets of Old City and read each historic marker along the way – you’ll be stunned by what you learn about your hometown.
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Things Philly Did First
Lisa Sammons|June 10, 2023
What are some of the most famous inventions from Philadelphia?
Many of the most famous inventions from Philadelphia were from our most famous founding father, Benjamin Franklin! One of his most notable inventions was the lightning rod, but he also made the first bifocal glasses, the urinary catheter, swim fins, and dozens of other notable things.
What is Philadelphia known for?
The City of Brotherly Love has so many famous attributes it'd be hard to collect them all in a few sentences! Of course, the Liberty Bell is one of the city's most famous symbols. We're also well known for areas like Rittenhouse Square, and our close association with Benjamin Franklin.
