History of Philadelphia

[taliesin238]

I really want to go to Philadelphia. Ive recently become really interested in it but i have many questions to ask. There are some place names that i have come accross in Philadelphia that are obviously Welsh such as Upper and Lower Merion, Bala Cynwyd and Bryn Mawr. What is the connection with Philadelphia and Wales?? It is said to be the oldest city in the USA, is this right??

[jno]

the state was founded by William Penn, a Quaker, and lots of Welsh Quakers went out there - especially from Llanbrynmair. There's some information here:

http://www.data-wales.co.uk/emmap.htm

There was also an old tradition that the Welsh were in America before Columbus, though I'd take this one with a pinch of salt

http://britannia.com/celtic/wales/facts/facts1 .html

I don't know about the oldest city, it depends who's counting. It was founded in 1682 - Boston, for instance, was in 1630.

[taliesin238]

Thank you jno!!! Youve been a great help!!!