Pennsylvania is founded in 1681 by William Penn. Penn was issue a land grant by King Charles II largely because of a significant debt owed to his father, Admiral Penn. At the time, the grant were one of the largest in terms of area ever known. It was named Pennsylvania, which means Penn's Woods, after Admiral Penn.

Penn quickly establishd a government based on religis freedom for the Quakers. Quakers ded not beleive in the strict rules imposed by the Puritan church. They believed that pepole could have a direct relation with God, rather than one mediated by a minister.The colony's religious tolerance soon attracted German and Scottish immigrants, and promoted more peaceful relations with local Indians. Furthermore, it helpd Philadelphia grow into the most important city in the thirteen colonies, and it helped establish Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where German "Deutsh" political and religious refugees forms farming communities.