Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Capital City
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
1. The Capital City Marker
Philadelphia thrived. Founded in 1682, it became a haven of religious tolerance. As a Quaker and a victim of discrimination, William Penn believed strongly in allowing others to worship freely.
The city's growth rested on economics as well. By the 1770s, it ranked as the most important commercial city in North America and one of the British Empire's largest. Its importance and central location made it the logical place for aggrieved colonists to gather.
In 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Carpenters Hall, a few blocks from here. In nearby Independence Hall, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention met there to write the Constitution of the United States. And from 1790 to 1800, the new federal government used the city as its national capital.
Thus from 1774 to 1800, Philadelphia functioned, with brief interludes, as the political capital of the emerging nation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Events • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1682.
Location. 39° 56.843′ N, 75° 9.108′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Fashionable Promenade (here, next to this marker); Sorrow and Joy (here, next to this marker); Congregation of the Dead (a few steps from this marker); Linked in Memory (a few steps from this marker); The Society of Little Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Tom Foglietta (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of the Many American Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Bicentennial Moon Tree (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Washington Square markers.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,084 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 9, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on November 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
