The History of Pennsylvania

Swedes colonize Tinicum Island.

Oct 4, 1643

The Swedes colonized this small area of Pennsylvania. They built schools, churches, businesses, and homes in this area.

The History of Pennsylvania

Period: Oct 4, 1643 to Dec 4, 1682

Pennsylvania is founded

Mar 4, 1681

King Charles II gives William Penn a charter for land. William Penn founds the colony Pennsylvania as a place of religious freedom, and establishes the colony with Quaker ideals.

Pennsylvania seperates from New Amsterdam

Mar 4, 1681

Pennsylvania becomes its own colony, and seperates from New Amsterdam.

William Markham becomes deputy governor.

Mar 11, 1681

Just one week after William Penn founds Pennsylvania, he appoints his first cousin, William Markham, as deputy governor of the new colony.

Immigration to Pennsylvania.

Mar 4, 1682

In just the first year of Pennsylvania's existence, 3,000 people had moved to Pennsylvania. They had moved there to seek religious freedom or seize economic opportunities.

William Penn arrives in America

Oct 30, 1682

William Penn arrived in America on October 30, 1682 to supervise the preparation of the "Great Law."

The "Great Law"

Dec 4, 1682

The General Assembly meets to enact the Pennsylvania legislation known as the "Great Law."