What Happened in Philadelphia History 1681
Philadelphia Historic Timeline - 1681: King Charles II grants William Penn the Charter of Pennsylvania, which includes an immense tract of land to settle a debt owed to Penn's father, Admiral William Penn. The King names the colony Pennsylvania in honor of Admiral Penn. William Penn begins plans for his "holy experiment" and hopes it will be the "seed of a nation." His Commonwealth will assure religious tolerance, fair trials, freedom of speech, and enlightened laws.