William Penn, a benevolent English gentleman, brought out with him, in the year 1681, a great number of Quakers, and first settled this state, under a grant from King Charles II. After his name the State is called, Pennsylvania. This State exhibits a great variety of soil and climate. The soil is suited to the growth of grain, and husbandry is said to be better understood in Pennsylvania than in any other State. Hemp and peaches are cultivated. Wine is made in small quantities, and commerce flourishes to a great extent.
This State abounds in coal, which forms an article of commerce with most of the cities of the United States. It is obtained in immense quantities in the neighborhood of Pittsburg, and from the Schuylkill and Lehigh mines.
Pennsylvania has engaged more extensively in internal improvements than any other State.
Harrisburg, the capital, is pleasantly situated on the Susquehanna River, and contains an elegant State House.
Philadelphia is the most regularly laid out and well built city in the Union. The streets generally intersect each other at right angles, and the principal ones are 100 feet wide. The inhabitants are extensively engaged in manufactures. The commerce of this place is large, and according to the amount of its exports is the third commercial city in the Republic.
In this city are many literary, scientific, and benevolent institutions, and numerous elegant public buildings, among which are the Bank of the United States, the Almshouse, Mint of the United States, and many elegant churches. The population of the city is 80,458; and of the suburbs, 87,353; total, 167,811.
DELAWARE.
With the exception of Rhode Island, this state is the smallest in the Union; it is also the least populous state. Its soil is moderately fertile, and produces a great variety of grasses, and an abundance of wheat. Flour is the principal article of manufacture and export. A considerable quantity of lumber is also exported.
The Chesapeake and Delaware canal intersects this state, and forms an easy and expeditious communication between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Dover is the capital. It contains a handsome state house.