Ideal Location

Situated near the heart of the city and close to Philadelphia's Museum district, our Main Campus is easily accessible by train, bus or automobile. All buildings are in close proximity of each other, and you can easily walk from one to another. The College also has three Regional Centers in Northeast, Northwest and West Philadelphia, in addition to several neighborhood sites, to best serve our students.

Philadelphia, one of the most historic cities in the country, is also the fifth largest city in the United States and the second largest city on the East Coast. It was here that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States was written. Besides its rich array of cultural activities, Philadelphia also offers world-class cuisine, an exceptional theatre and arts district and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you are interested in exploring the past, experiencing the outdoors or attending one of Philadelphia's professional sporting events, this exciting region offers something for everyone.

Bustling with culture, both old and new, visitors and residents of Philadelphia experience big town excitement with small town hospitality. Philadelphia combines the past and present through historic parks, sites, and buildings intertwined with modern landscapes. The City is home to Independence Hall, the Declaration of Independence, and the Liberty Bell, the nation's symbols of freedom. In Philadelphia, you will find culture, entertainment, history, and excitement – certainly something for everyone.

Population of Philadelphia – 1.5 million
Population of Metro Philadelphia area (eight counties) - 5.5 million
Size of Philadelphia - 350 km
Size of Pennsylvania - 116,982 km

History

Philadelphia has an expansive history that involves the birth of our democratic nation. In order to talk about the beginnings of Philadelphia, the start of Pennsylvania and how it came to be

William Penn, known as the founder of Pennsylvania, was born in London, England, in 1644. As he grew up, Penn became influenced by the writings and teachings of Quakers, a religious group that was becoming very unfavorable with the government of England. Penn dreamed of establishing a Quaker society of his own; a place where people who shared his beliefs can live and prosper. Since King Charles II of England owed Penn money, Penn instead requested to be given a large tract of land in America. On March 4, 1681, Charles II signed the paperwork that granted Penn forty-five thousand square miles in America, near New Jersey. Penn named the land Pennsylvania, which means “Penn’s Woods,” after his father. Over time, he bought more land from the Native Americans. Today, much of the land within Pennsylvania’s borders originated from this land grant.

Still in England, Penn started to sell tracts of the land to buyers in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Holland, and Germany. He sent his cousin to act as deputy governor of the land. In August 1682, Penn’s plans for the outlay of the City of Philadelphia were drawn. Upon his arrival in October 1682, Penn hired sheriffs for established counties and ordered them to hold elections for a governmental council and assembly. Over time, laws were established, and communities flourished. Penn also learned several American Indian dialects to be able to communicate and trade with several native tribes, as well as purchase land. From there, Philadelphia and the surrounding cities started to take shape.

Summary of Important Events

1775 – start of the Revolutionary War.

1776 – Declaration of Independence adopted and signed in Philadelphia.

1776 – The Liberty Bell rings out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

1781 – Articles of Confederation adopted and signed in Philadelphia.

1787 – Constitution of the United States ratified. The Federal Convention convened in the Assembly Room at the Pennsylvania State House on Chestnut Street, now known as Independence Hall, to create the Constitution.

1789 – Bill of Rights ratified.

For more information on the historic events and sites in Philadelphia, visit http://www.ushistory.org

What is Philadelphia known for?

The name “Philadelphia” signifies “brotherly or sisterly love,” which is where the motto of “City of Brotherly Love” originated. Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, historic sites and parks, and as the home of Benjamin Franklin. In addition, Philadelphia is recognized for its fine restaurants, museums, theatre and dance companies, and its symphony orchestra. The city also draws the biggest names in music, with concerts set in different venues all year around.

Firsts in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city that, throughout history, produced some of the first institutions and attractions that are now found throughout the nation and the world, including:
- Stock exchange
- Zoo
- Hospital
- Bank
- Abolition society
- Trade union
- Fire insurance company

Sports

There are four major sports franchises in Philadelphia: the Philadelphia Phillies (Major Leage Baseball), the Philadelphia 76ers (National Basketball Association), the Philadelphia Flyers (National Hockey League), and the Philadelphia Eagles (National Football League). Philadelphia is also home to the Philadelphia Kixx (Major Indoor Soccer League) and the Philadelphia Wings (National Lacrosse League). Philadelphia and its surrounding areas are also home to minor league baseball and hockey teams.

Weather

Philadelphia, like the rest of the mid-Atlantic, enjoys a temperate climate with four seasons.

Seasonal Temperatures

Summer (June to September) – range of 20 to 30 C
Fall (late September – late November) – range of 4 to 20 C
Winter (December – early March) - range of -4 to 4 C
Spring (late March – early June) – range 0f 10 to 25 C

Average summer temperature: 24 C
Average winter temperature: 1 C
Average rainfall: 104 cm
Average snowfall: 53 cm

Winter is generally cold to mild, and summers are hot with some humidity. The area does see a lot of sunshine, unlike some other cities in the United States that see primarily cloudy skies.

Getting Around the City

An excellent public transportation makes it easy to move around Philadelphia. The College is well served by public buses and by subway. Taxis are also an option. If you are interested in exercise and scenery, Philadelphia has an extensive network of bicycle paths throughout the city.

In addition, several companies around the city offer trolley tours that highlight important and famous city sites. Some of these tours allow passengers to exit at certain destinations of interest, where they can be picked up later.

Major Cities Near Philadelphia

Attending Community College of Philadelphia will afford you the chance to see and experience some great metropolitan areas along the East Coast. Here are some of the closest destinations:
New York City - 138 km
Baltimore - 141 km
Washington, DC - 193 km
Atlantic City and New Jersey Shore - 92 km

Informative Links

For the latest events and happenings in Philadelphia, visit:
www.pcvb.org
www.gophila.com
www.phillynightlife.com
www.avenueofthearts.org/venues.htm

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