Pennsylvania, known as the Keystone State, boasts a rich and pivotal history in the foundation of the United States. But to understand its significance, we must first delve into its origins and answer the fundamental question: where was Pennsylvania originally located? The story begins with a debt, a king, and a vision for religious freedom in the New World.
The land that would become Pennsylvania was initially part of a vast territory in North America claimed by various European powers. The English claim to this region set the stage for Pennsylvania’s creation. King Charles II of England, in 1681, granted a charter to William Penn, a prominent and wealthy Englishman, to colonize a significant tract of land in the New World. This wasn’t merely an act of expansion; it was also a repayment of a substantial debt owed to Penn’s father, Admiral Sir William Penn.
The Charter of Pennsylvania and William Penn’s Vision
This charter, signed on March 4, 1681, and officially proclaimed on April 2nd, marked the formal establishment of the Province of Pennsylvania. King Charles II bestowed the name “Pennsylvania” in honor of Admiral Penn, despite William Penn’s initial wish for it to be called “Sylvania,” meaning “woods” in Latin. The charter designated a large area west of the Delaware River, specifically located north of Maryland, east of the then-unsettled lands, and south of New York. This geographical positioning is crucial to understanding Where Pennsylvania Was Originally Located. Penn envisioned this new colony as a haven for the Society of Friends, or Quakers. This religious group, considered controversial in England for their rejection of rituals, oaths, and war, faced persecution. Penn, a staunch supporter of Quaker principles, sought to create a “holy experiment” – a colony where religious freedom and tolerance would flourish.
An engraving from 1882 depicting William Penn receiving the Charter of Pennsylvania from King Charles II, illustrating the foundational moment in the colony’s establishment.
In October 1682, Penn dispatched a proprietor to Pennsylvania to oversee the colony’s initial organization. This marked the beginning of practical steps to establish governance and settlement in this newly defined location. The proprietor’s arrival in Philadelphia, the capital city Penn planned, was followed by the creation of the three original counties and the summoning of a General Assembly in Chester on December 4th. These actions solidified the initial administrative structure of Pennsylvania in its designated location.
Native American Lands and Peaceful Beginnings (Initially)
It’s important to acknowledge that before the English charter and William Penn’s arrival, the land designated as Pennsylvania was inhabited by various Native American tribes. King Charles II’s charter, while granting land rights to Penn, also acknowledged the existing claims of these indigenous peoples. Prior to Penn’s formal land grant, both King Charles and his predecessors had purportedly purchased claims from Native Americans residing in the region. By 1768, treaties and purchases had encompassed all of present-day Pennsylvania, except for the northwestern third portion.
Penn, guided by Quaker principles of peace and fairness, initially sought to establish harmonious relations with the native inhabitants, most notably the Lenape tribe. The Lenape were a prominent group in the region where Pennsylvania was originally located. In 1682, Penn and the Lenape formalized an agreement known as the Treaty of Shackamaxon. This treaty, significant in Pennsylvania’s early history, symbolized a peaceful land transaction and a commitment to amity between the Quakers and the Lenape people.
An 1882 engraving depicting William Penn’s treaty with the Delaware Indians (Lenape), highlighting the early attempts at peaceful coexistence in the newly established Pennsylvania colony.
However, the initial period of peaceful relations unfortunately deteriorated over time. Factors such as miscommunication, the increasing influx of English colonists, westward expansion pressures, and the devastating impact of European diseases on Native American populations contributed to a strained relationship. Furthermore, after William Penn’s death, control of the land passed to his sons, John and Thomas Penn. Their approach to land dealings differed from their father’s, often involving land sales without proper consent from local tribes. This shift in leadership and policy led to escalating tensions. By 1741, colonial officials even enlisted the Iroquois, another powerful Native tribe, to assist in displacing the Lenape from their lands. This marked a tragic turning point, leading to the Lenape’s gradual migration westward, eventually scattering to regions including Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Philadelphia’s Emergence and Pennsylvania’s Growth
Within the geographical boundaries of the newly chartered Pennsylvania, Philadelphia quickly rose to prominence. Penn envisioned Philadelphia as the capital city, and its strategic location along the Delaware River contributed to its rapid growth as a major port and commercial center. As the 1800s approached, Philadelphia became a leading hub for industrial production, particularly in manufacturing. The city excelled in textile weaving, shipbuilding at the Cramp Shipyards, and became a center for innovation, exemplified by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and the Reading Terminal as a transportation nexus.
A historical image of a Baldwin Locomotive on Vine Street in Philadelphia, showcasing the city’s industrial prowess as a leading locomotive manufacturer.
Pennsylvania’s industrial expansion attracted waves of immigrants from Germany, East Asia, and South America, particularly between 1870 and the early 1900s. This influx of diverse populations further shaped Pennsylvania’s cultural landscape and contributed to the growth of cities like Philadelphia. These new communities established their own cultural institutions, newspapers, and support networks, enriching Pennsylvania’s social fabric.
Philadelphia also played an unparalleled role in the birth of the United States. It hosted the First Continental Congress and became the birthplace of foundational American documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Figures like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Paine, central to the American Revolution and the nation’s founding, called Philadelphia home. The city served as the nation’s capital from 1790 until 1800, further cementing its historical importance.
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, iconic symbols of American freedom and the city’s pivotal role in US history.
Beyond Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s geography and natural resources fueled diverse industries. The state became a major oil refining and storage center. And, famously, Pennsylvania transformed into the “Chocolate State,” largely due to Milton Hershey’s vision and the establishment of his chocolate empire in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
From Colony to Keystone State
Pennsylvania officially became a state on December 12, 1787, solidifying its place within the newly formed United States. Its original location, defined by the 1681 charter, remained the core of this burgeoning state, expanding and evolving over centuries. From its initial purpose as a haven for religious freedom to its industrial and historical significance, Pennsylvania’s origins are deeply intertwined with the narrative of the United States.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania was originally located in a region of North America granted to William Penn by King Charles II. This area was geographically defined as west of the Delaware River, north of Maryland, south of New York, and east of unsettled lands. This location became the foundation for a colony built on principles of religious tolerance and peace, which subsequently grew into a pivotal state in American history, marked by industrial innovation, cultural diversity, and its central role in the nation’s founding. Understanding where Pennsylvania was originally located provides essential context to appreciate its rich and multifaceted history as the Keystone State.
