Pennsylvania History By orombold Jul 1, 1609 Holland hires Henry Hudson to explore Dec 17, 1616 Hendrickson sails up the Deleware and on his return finds the Schuykill River. Oct 21, 1644 William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was born. Mar 4, 1681 The King signed the Charter of Pennsylvania Apr 4, 1681 Penn made his cousin, William Markham deputy governor of the province. what happends Aug 6, 1682 the Duke of York deeded to Penn his claim to the three lower counties on the Delaware, which are now the state of Delaware. Oct 6, 1682 The Proprietor arrived in Pennsylvania on the ship Welcome.