Philadelphia Historic Timeline -
1752: Benjamin Franklin and his fellow firefighters found the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insuring of Houses from Loss by Fire, the first property insurance company in America. It’s at 212 S. 4th Street and open by appointment.
Franklin conducts his famous kite experiment, writes about it as part of his scientific research on electricity and receives attention throughout the scientific community in the colonies, England and Europe.
1751-52: Pennsylvania Assembly commissions a bell from what is now Whitechapel Bell Foundry in England to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Charter of Privileges. Inscribed “Proclaim LIBERTY Thro’ All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof,” it cracks shortly after its arrival in Philadelphia and is recast twice by Philadelphians John Pass and John Stow, who add “Philada” to the inscription. The faulty bell later cracks again, but the Liberty Bell becomes a major American symbol beginning in the 1830s, when abolitionists adopt its image for their literature. The Liberty Bell Center, 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets, is open to the public and free of charge.
Also Check Out These Historic Pages:
- Philadelphia History of Beer The American Libation
- Philadelphia's African-American History in Philadelphia
- History of Philadelphia's Independence Mall