Pennsylvania Colony

This page tells about the history of the Pennsylvania Colony.

Pennsylvania Colony

The Pennsylvania Colony was founded by William Penn in 1681 and became one of the most important colonies in the Middle Colonies. Known for religious tolerance, a strong Quaker influence, fertile farmland, and the rapid growth of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania attracted settlers from many different parts of Europe.

The Swedish, the Dutch, and the English

The land that later became Pennsylvania was first claimed by Swedish settlers under the leadership of Peter Minuit in 1638. Minuit had agreed to help establish a Swedish colony after a falling out with Dutch officials. The Swedish colony, known as New Sweden, was centered along the western banks of the Delaware River. In 1655, Dutch forces took control of the region and absorbed New Sweden into New Netherland. Less than a decade later, in 1664, English forces seized the Dutch colony and took control of the region.

The Largest Land Grant

Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 when William Penn received a large land grant from King Charles II. The grant was given partly in repayment of a debt the king owed to Penn's father, Admiral William Penn. At the time, the grant was one of the largest individual land grants in English North America. The colony was named Pennsylvania, meaning "Penn's Woods," in honor of Admiral Penn.

A Quaker Refuge with Religious Freedom

Penn quickly established a government that promoted religious tolerance and attracted large numbers of Quakers. Quakers rejected many of the strict religious practices common in other colonies and believed that individuals could have a direct relationship with God without relying entirely on ministers or formal church authority. Pennsylvania's reputation for religious tolerance attracted immigrants from many backgrounds, including large numbers of German and Scottish settlers. Penn also attempted to maintain more peaceful relations with Native peoples than was common in many other colonies. Philadelphia grew rapidly and became one of the largest and most important cities in the 13 Colonies, while German-speaking settlers established farming communities in areas that became known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Why it mattered: Pennsylvania became a major center of religious tolerance, immigration, agriculture, trade, and political activity, while Philadelphia grew into one of the most influential cities in colonial America.