Pennsylvania Settled

William Penn, who had embraced Quakerism as an adult, obtained a land grant from the King of England. Penn received the grant, in lieu of money owed to his dead father. The land was called "Pennsylvania." It became a center of religious and other liberties.

William Penn became a member of the Society of Friends, otherwise known as the Quakers. They believed in a simple life style. They believed that all men were equal. Quakers refused to bow to the King or to fight in wars. They also refused to pay taxes to church. King Charles II tried to stop Penn from preaching in favor of Quaker beliefs by briefly imprisoning him, but that did not stop Penn from continuing to preach. Biography of Penn

King Charles' relationship with Penn was complicated. As Penn's father, Admiral William Penn had loaned Charles much-needed funds when he was in exile. Penn presented Charles with the perfect solution; he requested a land grant in the New World to build a settlement for Quakers. Penn attempted previously to set up a settlement by buying land from the New Jersey colony. Charles was only too happy to agree. In 1681, Charles granted Penn a charter for land from the Delaware River to the west.

Penn advertised widely to attract settlers to the new colony. He promised Freedom of religion to all who came.Penn also believed in ensuring harmonious relations with the Native Americans. He stated that every dispute with Native Americans had to be resolved by a committee of six Native American and six settlers. Penn and Native Americans

Penn turned to fellow Quakers to help finance the settlement of the of the new colony. Their assistance allowed the dispatch of over 50 ships in 1682 and 1683, which rapidly settled the new colony. The city of Philadelphia was founded and became the capital of the new colony. The colony was governed,as the first democracy. It was governed by a legislature that was elected by all men who either owned land or paid taxes. Charter Given by Penn More on the government.