Philadelphia - A Town of Firsts

Everybody knows that Philadelphia played a pivotal role in this nation’s freedom. Battles were fought in Philadelphia and many of the meetings that led to our current system of government were held in these hallowed buildings. You can even walk some of the same streets and visit some of the same Philadelphia haunts that American greats like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin frequented. But did you know Philadelphia has been the birthplace of many other inventions and ideas? Following are just a few of the more important innovations that started in this historic city.

Public Library

You can find one of these in almost every city in the nation. But the idea of the modern American public library system as we know it originated in Philadelphia. Although other cities claim this distinction, the Library Company of Philadelphia was formed by Benjamin Franklin in 1731. This was the beginning of the subscription library – an idea that allowed people to buy shares of the facility. They then used the money raised to buy more books and each shareholder could borrow those books in much the same way we do today.

Medical School

Many consider the Academy and College of Philadelphia the first medical school in the United States. Benjamin Franklin founded the facility in 1749, nearly three decades before the nation was officially formed. He also became its president and opened the academy two years later. The first commencement had seven male graduates. A few years later in 1765, two more prominent doctors founded the Medical School of the College of Philadelphia as well.

Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in the nation. Although it was slated to open in 1859, the American Civil War postponed its opening for 25 years in 1874. The Philadelphia Zoo includes more than 40 acres and 1,300 animals, including common animals, endangered species and rare breeds. Families still frequent the Philadelphia Zoo to see the animals, take a balloon ride or enjoy one of the many other activities that it has to offer.

Children’s Hospital

Philadelphia is home to one of the oldest children’s hospital – not only in the United States, but in the entire world. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, or CHOP for short, is also consistently ranked as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. In 2007, it even received the distinction of the #1 children’s hospital. Currently, the Philadelphia children’s hospital has more than 400 beds and admits at least 15,000 children every year. Over 600,000 are treated in the emergency room and through outpatient departments.

Stock Exchange

You might think the New York Stock Exchange is the oldest in the nation, but the Philadelphia Stock Exchange predates it. The PHLX was created in 1790 and the and has merged with some of the nation’s more prominent stock exchanges through the years, including the Washington Stock Exchange, the Baltimore Stock Exchange and more recently, the Pittsburgh Stock Exchange.

The residents of Philadelphia have many things to be proud of. It’s a beautiful town steeped in historical significance. The city has also been a birthplace for some of the most important things in our nation today. One more thing to be proud of is our local Philadelphia Mercedes-Benz dealer showrooms in three convenient area locations – West Chester, Fort Washington and Wilmington. If you’ve never owned a Mercedes Benz, stop in and create a “first” of your own.