The
Philadelphia Museum of Art in on of the largest museums in the United Sates
and attracts visitors from around the world. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
was established in 1875. You may not know this, but the original reason for
the construction of the art museum was to house the Centennial Exposition of
1876. Now owned by the City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art building
architecture was influenced after a Greek temple. It was opened in 1928.
Over the years the Museum has saw many impressive and extraordinary collections
including world renowned artists.
Driving to and
from Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River you’ll find a Philadelphia
landmark, Boathouse Row. Boathouse Row is a series of Victorian inspired
structures that light up with brilliant colors at night. The concept
resembles Christmas lights, except these lights are on all year round. The 10
clubs represented at boathouse row were the start of the nation’s oldest
amateur athletic association. The individual rowing clubs meet and compete in
regattas and races, some of the biggest falling between the months of May and
July. Boathouse Row is not just a symbol of Philadelphia, it’s a national
historic landmark.
One of our
Nations and for that the world’s most extraordinary human beings is Benjamin
Franklin. Ben Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. Over his
lifetime, Ben Franklin was a printer, librarian, inventor, writer,
businessman, musician, scientist, humorist and statesman. Ben Franklin was
one of the most influential persons of his time. He invented bifocals,
founded electricity, catheter, Franklin Stove, lighting rod, and the
odometer. Some discoveries you may not know Ben founded include daylight
savings time, fire department, fire insurance company, charting the Gulf
Stream, and the first political cartoon!
Center City
Philadelphia is where you can find it all. Contained within this established
BID (Business Improvement District) you’ll find an assortment of arts and
culture, entertainment, shopping and of course dining. Center City is the
nations fourth largest metropolitan area. City Hall, built in 1871, is the
largest city hall in America and also claims the title of the tallest building
constructed without a steel skeleton. Atop City Hall we find a statue of
William Penn, the largest statue in the world to reside atop a building.
Philadelphia is
home to several prestigious colleges and universities including the University
of Pennsylvania. The University of Pennsylvania is an historic Ivy League
school confined within the every changing City of Philadelphia. Who founded
the University of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin of course. His vision of a
school was presented in 1749 in a pamphlet titles Proposals for the
Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. This concept would deviate from the
normal practices of a colleges focus on the clergy. Holding the honor of
being one of America’s first Universities, Penn continues its world-renowned
excellence more than 250 years after its founding.
Drexel
University was founded in 1891 as the Drexel Institute of Art, Sciences, and
Industry. It became the status of a university in 1970. You may now know it
but the Drexel University of Medicine is the nation’s largest private medical
school.
Another well
known University in Philadelphia is Temple University. Temple University
ranks among the nations 30th largest Universities. Temple
University was founded by Russell H. Conwell. Temple University teaches
students in Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Podiatry, and Dentistry, and a renowned
Health Sciences Center.
The Hospital of
the University of Pennsylvania
The Walt
Whitman Bridge spans over the Delaware River between South Philadelphia and
Gloucester City, NJ. The bridge, named after the nineteenth-century poet Walt
Whitman, was constructed during the 1950’s. The bridge spans 11,981 feet with
the main span stretching 2000 feet over the Delaware River. Today, the bridge
is traveled by some 100,000 vehicles each day.
Commodore John
Barry, born in Philadelphia, became one of the Navy’s most honored persons.
In his 58 years, the son of a poor Irish farmer advanced through the tanks to
senior commander of the entire United States fleet. His first command came in
1766 aboard the schooner, Barbadoes, sailing from Philadelphia.
Barry’s role increased through the Revolutionary War. Barry was a burly
looking man at a towering 6’4” and well-built. Barry was involved throughout
the Revolutionary War till the last batter, in which he engaged the British.
On February 22, 1797, President George Washington called Barry to his mansion
in Philadelphia to receive Commission Number One in the Navy which was dated
June 4, 1794. Barry is often called the “father of the Navy.”
The Tacony-Palmyra
Bridge got it’s name from the two ferries (the “Tacony” and the “Palmyra”)
originally constructed to cross the Delaware River. The ferries were a big
success. In August 1926, one month after the new Benjamin Franklin Bridge
opened to traffic, the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge Company was established. Test
borings took place in October of 1926 with construction beginning in 1928.
Nine piers make up the substructure of the bridge while three piers support
the steel arch. On August 14, 1929 the Tacony-Palmyra bridge officially
opened.
The
Burlington-Bristol Bridge spans between the industrial towns of Bristol and
Burlington. Construction on the bridge begun in April 1, 1930. This bridge
was designed with a modern vertical lift span which provides a clearance of
138 feet with lifted. The lifting mechanism is propelled by two 80-horsepower
electric motors. The bridge opened to traffic on May 1, 1931, only 13 months
after construction began. Today, the bridge carries approximately 25,000
vehicles a day and is pathway across the Delaware River on US 13 on the
Pennsylvania side and US 130 on the New Jersey side.
SEPTA, the
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority provides public
transportation service in Philadelphia. In Fact, SEPTA provides service to
Philadelphia’s surrounding communities including the Counties of Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. Limited service is offered in New Jersey
and Delaware. SEPTA service area includes 2,200 square miles with over 299
million passengers accommodated per year. A quick fact, SEPTA is a considered
one of two multi-modal transit properties in the nation with bus, subway, high
speed rail, trackless trolley, regional rail and para transit services offered
to its passengers.
If
transportation to and from Philadelphia is what you are looking for, Amtrak
may be your answer. Amtrak provides service to more than 500 stations in 46
states on the nation. Philadelphia is one such station with over 3.6 million
served. The name “Amtrak” is a combination of mixing the words “American” and
“track.” The railroad’s official name is the National Railroad passenger
Corporation. Amtrak boasts the title of the fastest train in North America,
the Acela Express, which travels at a normal speed of 120 mph. A fast fact
for Amtrak, since it’s beginning, even-numbered trains travel north and east.
Odd-numbered trains travel south and west.
The Reading
Terminal Market is Philadelphia’s historic farmers market. Here you’ll fine
fresh produce, meats, seafood, and poultry. A perfect place to grab a quick
lunch and to experience a little piece of Philadelphia history. Also featured
at the Reading Terminal market is hand-made pottery, jewelry, and crafts from
all corners of the world. In the 1880s and 1890s open air markets began to
come indoors. In 1889 the Reading Railroad drafted plans to build a
state-of-the-art train shed in Philadelphia and the Reading Terminal Market
was opened in 1892 with approximately 78,000 square feet.
Greyhound buses
are one of the most safest mode of transportation in the United States as
according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation
Statistics. The fleet of buses operated under Greyhound include nearly 1,500
buses , of which Philadelphia and surrounding communities are among the
locations of Greyhound’s bus terminals. Greyhound serves more than 1,700
destinations in the United States.
Traveling to
Philadelphia via train, well you’ll most likely find yourself at 30th
street station in Philadelphia. 30th Street station can be found
on the National Register of Historic Places. This 8-story building was
built in 1934 and now houses the corporate offices for Amtrak. 30th
Street Station boasts the title of the largest existing and second most active
railway station in America. 30th Street Station is located on
Market Street between 29th Street and 30th Street.
69th
Street terminal is located at Market and 69th Streets in Upper
Darby, near Philadelphia. This train station is a SEPTA Terminal serving
Philadelphia and surrounding communities. In and around this busy terminal
you’ll find housing, bars, restaurants, commercial and retail shops and the
Tower Theatre, a concert venue.
Philadelphia’s
Suburban Station was opened in 1929 by Pennsylvania Railroad. Today, over
100,000 commuters pass through the Station each day. By the summer of 2006,
SEPTA hopes the 63 million makeover of Suburban Station will be complete.
Market East
Station is an underground commuter rail station located on Market Street
between 9th and 12th Street in downtown Philadelphia.
This station, services by SEPTA, is one of three major rail commuter station
in Philadelphia. The Station plays an important role in the “Gallery at
Market East.” These shops were built in the 1970 and early 1980’s as part of
a Urban renewal project. This station spans three city blocks.
If you choose
to fly to and from Philadelphia, you’ll come through Philadelphia
International Airport (PHL). Here you’ll have you choice of flying with: Air
Jamaica, Air Canada, Air France, Air Tan Airways, American West, American
Eagle, American Airlines, British Airways, Charter, Continental, Continental
Express, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Lufthansa,
Midwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, US Airways (Int’l) US Airways
Express, USA 3000, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United
Airlines. The Philadelphia Airport got its start in the 1920’s when 125 acres
of land was designated to suit the purpose of an airport. Today, the
Philadelphia International Airport has a staggering 2.4 million square feet
and serves 28 million passengers annually.
The Delaware
River begins at the western slopes of the Catskill Mountains in eastern New
York. The Delaware River is the major river that runs through the city of
Philadelphia. One of it’s tributaries includes the Schuylkill River. The
Delaware River is famous for the crossing of George Washington and his troops
on December 25, 1776 at the Battle of Trenton. Today, the Delaware River is a
source of hydroelectric power and is a source for many outdoor recreational
activities and sports.
The Schuylkill
River is the largest tributary in the Delaware River Basin. The Schuylkill
River spans over 130 miles from it’s headwaters in Schuylkill County to the
City if Philadelphia. The Delaware Indians were the original permanent
settlers in the area. The river was named Schuylkill “hidden river” in Dutch
by its discoverer Arendt Crossen of the Dutch West India Company.
The Schuylkill
River Regatta is a race that is held one a year by various canoe clubs. The
races begin at Berne Bridge (just south of Hamburg) and conclude at Stoudt’s
Ferry Bridge Launch site (just north of Reading). Rowers encounter various
depths and speeds of river flows during their journey. Actually, different
classes of competition are available depending on the type and ability of the
team.
Philadelphia is
home to some spectacular restaurants, which you can visit on your stay in the
City. These restaurants include: Le Bec-Fin, Moshulu, Devon Seafood Grill,
EverMay on the Delaware, Vesuvio Restaurant and Bar, Positano Coast,
Rembrandt’s, Bliss, Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar, Rose Tattoo Café, and
Paradgim. Whatever your forte is, Philadelphia is sure to have what you are
looking for.
The
Philadelphia cheese steak is famous for it’s sandwich chipped steak that is
grilled to perfection. Of course the Philadelphia cheese steak is not complete
without the Philadelphia roll – long and thin, not fluffy or soft. The
Philadelphia cheese steak goes back to the 1930’s when Pat Oliver had a steak
that he couldn’t cook on the grill, so he sliced it thin and cooked it with
onions and placed it on a roll. It was about 20 years later that cheese was
added to give the sandwich some taste and that’s how we got the famous
Philadelphia cheese steak.
Society Hill
Philadelphia is a neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia which is generally
between the streets of Walnut, Lombard, Front and 8th Streets.
This area is known for the home to the largest concentration of original 18th
and 19th century architecture in the United States. Included in
the many historic building of Society Hill is the famous Society Hill
Synagogue, originally constructed in 1829 by the Philadelphia architect Thomas
Walter.
Penn’s Landing
is located along the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia. The 10
blocks from Vine Street to South Street includes the location where
Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn, first arrived in Philadelphia. The area
became Philadelphia’s maritime center and the commercial district of the
thriving City. Today Penn’s Landing is busy with activity as pedestrians,
motorists, bikers, and tourists travel the area and visit the many stores and
restaurants in and around Penn’s Landing.
The
Philadelphia Flower Show is held one a year and hosted by The Pennsylvania
Horticulture Society. This show is the largest indoor flower show in the
world. It actually holds the Guinness World Record for the longest running
horticulture show and the earliest documented horticultural show. The
Philadelphia Flower Show presents outstanding examples of quality and
creativity in the designs and presentations hosted at this show. Many come
from all over the nation and the world to see this spectacular display of
color and designs.
The
Philadelphia International Auto Show is an annual event held at the
Philadelphia Convention Center on Arch Street in the City of Philadelphia. At
this show you’ll find more than 700 classic, luxury, and exotic vehicles. The
event, sponsored by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia
is usually held in the January-February timeframe.
The
Philadelphia Boat expo is held annually at the Philadelphia Convention Center
in the City of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Boat show is held annually and
consists of boats from more than 15 dealers. All boats, including runabouts,
saltwater fishing, inflatables, ski boats, deck boats, pontoon boats, jet
boats, personal water craft, yachts, and more are available for purchase.
Dealers often offer incentives or “boat show only” pricing.
There are
several neighborhoods in Philadelphia: The Belmont
section of Philadelphia is located west from the Schuylkill River along Parkside Avenue and north to City Avenue. It was named after the 1754 Peters
family house in Fairmount Park. The Bristol section of Philadelphia is
actually one of the original townships of Philadelphia and is bounded by
Cheltenham Avenue, Ivy Hill Road, Stenton Avenue, Wister Street, Wingohocking
and Tacony Creeks. The Cedarbrook section pf Philadelphia is located in the
area of Wadsworth Avenue, Stenton to Cheltenham Avenues. Center City is
located between the Schuylkill to Delaware Rivers, Vine to South Streets. The
Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia is located between Northwestern Avenue
to Cresheim Creek, Forbidden Drive to Stenton Avenue. Chinatown is located
from Arch Street to Vine Streets, from 8th to 11th
Streets. The East Falls section of Philadelphia is located along the
Schuylkill River about 2 miles south of the mouth of the Wissahickon Creek.
The East Germantown section is bounded between Stenton Avenue near Chelten
Avenue and Wister Street. The Fairmount section of Philadelphia is next to
the historic Art Museum. It is located just west of Broad Street between
Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Streets. The Fishtown section of Philadelphia
is located along the Delaware River below the Kensington Section. The
Germantown section of Philadelphia is located along East Falls, Mount Airy,
West Oak Lane, and Logan. This section originally was consisted of all of
northwest Philadelphia, northeast of Wissahickon Avenue. The Kensington
Section of Philadelphia is located from the Delaware River to Front Street.
This section was named after an English sea captain. The Logan Circle section
of Philadelphia is located along the Schuylkill River near Broad Street from
Market Street to Spring Garden Street. The Manayunk Section of Philadelphia
is located north of the Schuylkill River upstream from the Wissahickon Creek.
The name means “where to go to drink” in Native terms. The Mayfair Section of
Philadelphia extends from Cottman and Frankford Avenue to Roosevelt
Boulevard. The Nicetown section of Philadelphia is comprised of Wingohocking
Street, Broad Street, Roosevelt Boulevard, Germantown Avenue, Luzerne Street,
Hunting Park Avenue, Pulaski Avenue and Tabor Branch of the old Reading
Railroad. North Philadelphia is the majority of the area north of Center City
and South of the Logan Section. The Northeast Section of Philadelphia is
located between Shackamaxon and the Bucks County line. The northwest section
of Philadelphia is located northwest of Roosevelt Boulevard, Stenton Avenue
and Wister Street to Stenton Avenue. The Olney section of Philadelphia is in
the vicinity of 5th and Chew Streets, west of the railroad tracks
to Fox Chase and east of Melrose Park. The Pemberton Section of Philadelphia
is located between 21st, Brainbridge, 22nd, and
Pemberton Streets.
Rocky III is
the third Rocky movie in a series of features staring Sylvester Stallone.
Portions of this movie take place atop the famous Philadelphia Art Museum
steps. It was these steps that “Rocky” climbed in what appears to be an
impossible task. Once “Rocky” reached to top, he jumped up and down waiving
his hands in the air. In 1983 three statues were placed at the top of the
stairs of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps for the filming of Rocky III.
Today, one of these statues can be found in front of the Wachovia Spectrum in
South Philadelphia.
The
Philadelphia Mummer’s Parade is like no other. A tradition that dates back
over a century, the Philadelphia Mummer’s Parade exhibits over 15,000
Philadelphia Mummers who “strut their stuff.” Based within this parade is the
tradition of spirit, pride, good and bad looks, and a cultural tradition
experienced and practiced by all ages. This event if the culmination of a
year long planning process what ends in a spectacular parade on New Years
Day. Their performance if a timeless memory that will live on for years to
come.
On of the many
attractions to see in Philadelphia during the summer time are the 4th
of July fireworks. These fireworks light up the sky every 4th of
July in Philadelphia. Views come from miles around to catch a glimpse of the
brilliant light spectacular. The fireworks are launched at Penn’s Landing,
where they can be viewed from many restaurants and across the river in Camden
N.J.
The Wachovia
Center in Philadelphia is home to Philadelphia’s National Hockey League the
Philadelphia Flyers. Constructed in 1988, the state of the art facility
served at the home for the Philadelphia flyers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Originally named the CoreStates Center, the Wachovia Center now is visited by
faithful fans and travelers alike to see their favorite Philly team compete in
the City of Brotherly Love.
Lincoln
Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Construction begun on May
7, 2001 and took 28 months to complete. Today, this stadium is used for
various events and venues. At a cost of $512 million dollars, this state of
the art 68,532 seat stadium bring you close to the action. The inaugural game
took place on September 8th and featured the Philadelphia Eagles
and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the 2004 NFC
Champion Eagles.
Citizens Bank
Park is home to the Philadelphia Phillies. Located in South Philadelphia,
Citizens Bank Park is situated on a 21 acre site just north of Pattison Avenue
between Citizens Bank way and Darien Street. Located within Citizens Bank
Park is Ashburn Alley, the outfield entertainment area which stretched 625
feet in length and encompasses over 50,000 square feet. One noticeable façade
item is the open main concourse (360 degrees) that is easily accessible to
fans. One can also view the field from street level. Finally, when enjoying
a game, you’ll notice the open outfield which provides a spectacular view of
the Center City Skyline.
At Fairmount
Park in Philadelphia there’s a trail, walkway, bike path, and even a river for
your enjoyment. There are roughly 215 miles of scenic recreation trails in
the Park itself. Included in the trail system at Fairmount Park is the
Schuylkill River Trail stretching for about 25 miles through the Park and
downtown Philadelphia. Fairmount Park offers over 8,500 acres of trees,
flowers, trails, and the Mann Music Center. Fairmount Park has much to offer
every person regardless of age or fitness. Stop by and see one of
Philadelphia’s landmark, the famous boathouse row!
Rittenhouse
Square, originally called Southwest square for it’s location and one of five
open-space parks planned by William Penn in the 17th century, is
named after David Rittenhouse. Today, the landscape of this park setting
includes many trees and gardens. Surrounding Rittenhouse Square are many fine
restaurants, shops, apartments, and hotels. The name Rittenhouse Square also
encompasses the neighborhood surrounding the square.
Betsy Ross is
the fabricator of the American symbol for freedom, liberty, and price, the
American Flag. Betsy Ross was born on News Years Day, 1752. Named Elizabeth
Griscom, she was one of seventeen children. In 1773 she met John Ross and
were later married. Betsy Ross was chosen by George Washington to design a
national flag. Originally, the flag was to be designed with a six-point star
but Betsy suggested a five-point star. This concept was quickly shot down but
was later approved based on the ease at which the five-point star could be
made. The stars and stripes design was adopted by Congress in 1777. Betsy
Ross died in 1836.
Ann Maria
Reeves Jarvis, was born in Culpeper, Virginia. Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis begun
the promotion of a day to honor all mothers, Mothers Day. To do this, she
begun to organize meetings of mothers of solders of both sides of the American
Civil War. Her daughter, Ann Marie Jarvis was born in West Virginia.
Following her mothers death, Ann Marie Jarvis continues her mother’s well
wishes and begun a quest to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday. This
quest became reality in the year 1914 when Mother’s Day began as a nationally
recognized holiday. Sadly enough, Ann Marie Jarvis fought the
commercialization of the holiday and spent the rest of her life
campaigning against the holiday and died in West Chester, PA. Quoted is her
New York Times obituary, Ann Marie Jarvis was against sons/daughters sending
their mothers a printed greeting card as she considered it “a poor excuse for
the letter you are too lazy to write.”
The Declaration
of Independence was signed at Independence Hall on July 4, 1776. On this
document which was signed by 56 signatures. The largest and most noticeable
signatures is that of John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress.
The youngest signature is Edward Rutledge (age 26) with the oldest being Ben
Franklin (age 70). Two future Presidents signed, John Adams, the Nation’s
second president and Thomas Jefferson, the Nation’s third President. The
Declaration of Independence, the “unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United
States of America, is housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The United
Sates Constitution was actually drafted in the same location as the
Declaration of Independence. The US Constitution was drafted in 1787 and
ratified in 1788. Prepared in secrecy, the document is one of the oldest and
shortest national constitutions. 39 delegates signed the Constitution at the
Constitutional Convention. The first ten amendments to the US Constitution
were named The Bill of Rights. “Thanksgiving Day” was actually established in
November 26, 1789 by George Washington to “give thanks” for the Constitution.
There have been twenty seven amendments to the Constitution, all of which are
required to be ratified by the states. You can see the original Constitution
at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
The Liberty
Bell originally run from the top of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The
Liberty Bell gets its name from “proclaiming liberty.” The Liberty Bell rung
on July 8, 1776 for the first public reading of the Declaration of
Independence. Inscribed on the Bell is the quotation “By Order of the
Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania for the State House in Philada.” The
spelling of “Pensylvania” is not an error. In the original Constitution, the
name of the State is also spelled “Pensylvania.” The Bell actually arrived in
Philadelphia in September 1752 and hung on March 10, 1773. There is some
disagreement about when the first crack appeared on the Bell. The expansion
of the crack occurred on Washington’s Birthday in 1846 and resulted in the
bell being unringable.
The
Philadelphia cheese steak was invented in the 1930’s by an Italian immigrant
trying to boost business. One day, Pat Olivieri cooked a slices of steak on
the grill and added some onions for flavor. The steak was intended for him,
but was quickly bought by a passing cab driver who smelled the good cooking.
Of course word spread and business began to pick-up.
The
Philadelphia soft pretzel came to Philadelphia by the Germans. Today, you’ll
find many vendors who sell Philadelphia soft pretzels, but which are the
best? To determine the best pretzel, there are several factors to consider.
First, the best place to find a soft pretzel is the “mom and Pop” shops around
Philadelphia. Some bring their business to the outdoors on street corners and
at busy intersections. The best soft pretzels are soft and chewy, not hard
and brittle. The right amount of salt can determine a good pretzel from a bad
pretzel. Make sure your pretzel is delivered to you in a paper bag and not
wrapped in plastic. Lastly, a good Philadelphia soft pretzel vendor will have
a mustard container nearby for those who like some flavor on their pretzels.
Philadelphia
radio stations come in all shapes and sizes. From the small to the large,
there’s a tune waiting to be heard. Philadelphia is home to some fabulous
radio stations both am and fm. Some of these stations include WPEN 950 am,
Classic 102.9 fm, 95.7 fm, 93.3 WMMR Rocks fm, B 101.1 soft hits fm, WOGL
Oldies 98.1 fm, Q102 fm, 94.1 WYSP fm, Y 100 fm, and KYW News Radio 1060 am.
All these stations provide the hits of today and yesterday. If you need a
quick weather update or traffic update, there’s a station for you. Even catch
the news on your visit. Whatever the music you’ll need to make you visit to
Philadelphia more comfortable, Philadelphia’s radios stations have it.
On your visit
to Philadelphia you’ll have plenty of TV stations to choose from. Because of
the selection, you most likely won’t miss you favorite TV show. KYW Channel 3
(CBS), WPVI Channel 6 (ABC), WCAU Channel 10 (NBC), WHYY Channel 12 (PBS),
WPHL Channel 17 (WB), WTFX Channel 29 (FOX), WPSG Channel 57 (UPN) all provide
news, sports, and daily programs. In Philadelphia you’ll get local and
national news, Philadelphia professional sports, and all your favorite
programs.
The
Philadelphia Police Department – honor, integrity, and service. The PPD got
its start in 1663 as the city’s Swedish settlement patrol. The modern Police
Department as we know it begun in 1850 when steps were taken to increase the
force. In 1854 a major change in the politics, government, and police
services went underway. Today, the PPD has over 900 school crossing guards
with over 25 police districts. Taking advantage of increases in technology,
the PPD is equipped to provide the protection needed to the City’s residents
and visitors.
The
Philadelphia Fire Department has been providing service to Philadelphia for
over 265 years. The Philadelphia Fire Department begun with volunteers
serving the community. In 1870 the Philadelphia Fire Department became a
professional service provider with the agreement of Council. Today, there are
12 Districts in the Philadelphia Fire Department serving the City of
Philadelphia. The mission of the Philadelphia Fire Department if to provide
efficient and effective fire protection and emergency services to the citizen
of Philadelphia. This of course doesn’t stop at just those who live in
Philadelphia. On your stay in Philadelphia, you can rest easier knowing these
professionals are on call and ready for any emergency.
The
Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in the City of Philadelphia. The
Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) is known as the largest public works
project undertaken in the state of Pennsylvania. The location of the PCC is
Reading Terminal train shed, the oldest surviving single-span arched train
shed
roof structure in the world and is one of a kind in the United States. Since
1653 the PCC has been occupied by merchants and shops on the ground floor.
The planning involved in the construction of the PCC is remarkable. The PCC
stands as a testimony to intellectual planning of a large scale structure in a
Urban Area that is integrated into the surrounding community. Many shows and
programs are held at the PCC and upon your visit to Philadelphia, you may want
to visit the PCC to see what it has to offer.