Philadelphia Events

1731 William Franklin, Illegitimate Son of Benjamin Franklin, Born
William Franklin (1731-November 17, 1813) was the last Colonial Governor of New Jersey. William was a steadfast Loyalist throughout the Revolutionary War, despite his father's role as one...
1774 Sep 5
to 1774 Oct 26
 The First Continental Congress
The first Continental Congress met in Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, from September 5, to October 26, 1774. Carpenter's Hall was also the seat of the Pennsylvania Congress. All of the ...
1775 Paul Revere Is Sent To Philadelphia
The story is that Captain Morris did not have the public spirit Morris rather doubtfully hoped he had. he did not wish any ingenious Yankee setting up in competition with himself, even in...
1775 May 10 Second Continental Congress
In May 1775, with Redcoats once again storming Boston, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia. The questions were different this time. First and foremost, how would t...
1777 Sep 26 British Troops March Into Philadelphia
On September 26, 1777, British troops marched into Philadelphia and occupied the city forcing the Continental Congress, meeting in the Pennsylvania State House (later renamed Independence...
1929 May 18
to 1930 Mar 17
 Al Capone jailed for first time in Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary for carrying concealed deadly weapons
On May 17, 1929, Al Capone and his bodyguard were arrested in Philadelphia for carrying concealed deadly weapons. Within 16 hours they had been sentenced to terms of one year each. Capone...
1964 Aug 28
to 1964 Aug 30
 Philadelphia Race Riot of 1964
Philadelphia has worked hard to eliminate friction between Negroes and police. It is one of the few cities with a civilian review board to handle complaints of police brutality. It assign...
1973 Mar 30 Adam Goldstein, Better Known as DJ AM, is Born in Philadelphia
"I was probably destined to be a drug addict. I grew up in Philadelphia with a father who seemed to hate me: The verbal abuse he subjected me to was unbelievably cruel. I would find out la..." —Adam Goldstein
1976 Jul 23 First Known Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease
On this day in 1976, members of the American Legion arrive in Philadelphia to celebrate the bicentennial of U.S. independence. Soon after, many began suffering from a mysterious form of p...