Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410,000. Latter-day Saint population in July 1840 about 200; in late 1842 about 300; and in Aug. 1844 about 330. First Latter-day Saint missionaries preached in city, fall 1837. JS organized branch of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in city, 23 Dec. 1839. JS spoke to congregation of about 3,000 people in city, Dec. 1839.