Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, brims with revolutionary history and the sweet scent of cheesesteaks. But beyond those iconic symbols lies a trove of surprising facts and quirky tidbits.
Let’s unveil some of Philly’s hidden charms:
- Birthplace of a Nation: Philadelphia was where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.
- Liberty Bell’s Mismatched Name: The Liberty Bell wasn’t called that until the 1800s, long after its famous crack appeared.
- World’s First Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates in 1874, claiming the title of America’s first zoo!
- Philly’s Medical Legacy: The city boasts the first hospital and the first medical school in the country.
- Betsy Ross: Fact or Fiction? While Betsy Ross is credited with sewing the first American flag, some historians debate her true role in its creation.
- Say Cheese…Steak: Forget those neon orange slices! Authentic Philly cheesesteaks use real cheese like provolone or (gasp!) even Cheez Whiz.
- Soft Pretzels with a Twist: Philly is the undisputed king of soft pretzels, said to be introduced by German immigrants in the 1800s.
- Home to a Massive (and Creepy) Medical Collection: The Mütter Museum houses a fascinating yet unsettling collection of medical oddities and anatomical specimens.
- Fairmount Park: A Giant Among Giants: Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, even bigger than New York City’s Central Park.
- Yo, Adrian! It’s the Rocky Steps: The iconic “Rocky Steps” belong to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and tourists flock to mimic Rocky’s triumphant run.
- Sandwich Rivalry: The hoagie, another Philly creation, competes with the cheesesteak for the title of the city’s most iconic sandwich.
- Mural Arts Capital: Philadelphia boasts an incredible collection of public murals, transforming walls into vibrant works of art.
- America’s First Daily Newspaper: Philadelphia was home to the country’s first daily newspaper, the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, established in 1784.
- Presidential Mansion Mystery: The President’s House in Philly was built for George Washington but ultimately never used by him. It was demolished years later.
- It’s Always Sunny…Sometimes: Despite the title of the popular comedy series, Philadelphia actually gets its fair share of cloudy days.