Philly Facts

While almost all cities lay claim to their share of "firsts," no U.S. city can claim as many as Philadelphia. Here are a sample of some of the most interesting ones as well as some other fun facts:

1. Philadelphia is home to the nation's first public library - the Free Library of Philadelphia - founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731.
2. The first volunteer fire department, the Union Fire Company, was founded in Philadelphia in 1736 by Benjamin Franklin
3. The concept of lightning being electricity was discovered by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 when he was able to draw lightning from the clouds by means of a kite.
4. The first flag of the United States was sewn in Philadelphia in 1777 by Betsy Ross.
5. Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States from 1790-1800.
6. The first stock exchange in the United States was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, which organized in 1790.

In addition, Philadelphia is home to the nation's first medical school, first children's hospital, first cancer hospital, first eye hospital, first nursing school, and first dental school!