Philadelphia should be considered the birthplace of weird America. From the very beginning, Philadelphians have been up to some strange shenanigans - from Ben Franklin's desire to be electrocuted, to the whole "starting a revolution" thing. It's no wonder that the history of Philadelphia is dotted with interesting events that aren't taught in our history classes - there simply isn't enough time to teach them all! How many of these weird Philly facts did you know?
In 1946, The University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Electrical Engineering created the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC), considered the world's first electronic computer.
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2. The only tall ship restaurant in the world is docked at Penn's Landing.
Not only is the Moshulu the only tall ship restaurant in the world, but she has some incredible history! The elegant ship was seized by the United States and hidden in Oregon during World War I, seized by the Germans in World War II, was featured in The Godfather II, and purchased by the Walt Disney corporation - yet somehow, she made it to Philadelphia. These days, you can enjoy a fine meal either above deck or below.
3. Slices of Albert Einstein's Brain are hiding in Rittenhouse Square.
The Mutter Museum is one of only two places in the world where you can see the genius physicist's brain, and the story of how it got here is quite weird. It all started on the night that Albert Einstein died in Princeton, NJ in 1955. Despite Einstein's specific request that his body was not to be studied after his death, the pathologist on duty removed his brain (and, strangely, his eyes) and took it with him to the University of Pennsylvania to be dissected and preserved on over 200 slides.
In November 2011, the Mütter Museum received a call from Lucy Rorke-Adams, offering a box of the brain slides. They had been handed down from Thomas Harvey, the pathologist who initially removed the brain, to a chain of neuropathologists, and ended up with Rorke-Adams. The only other place in the world where you can see Einstein's Brain is the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, MD, but they rarely put the slides on display.
4. The Curse of Billy Penn kept Philly teams losing for decades.
When the construction of One Liberty Place was completed in 1987, it was the first skyscraper to stand taller than City Hall's William Penn statue. From that moment on, Philadelphians began to believe in The Curse of Billy Penn. For the next 29 years, Philadelphia sports teams were kept from winning any championship, and in general, were not successful. In 2007, the height of One Liberty was eclipsed by the new Comcast Center, and at the top, a small replica of the City Hall statue was placed. The Phillies, against all odds, won the World Series the following year, breaking the curse.
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5. Philadelphia is home to many "hospital firsts."
Philadelphia was home to the first hospital in America, which was founded by Dr. Thomas Bond and Ben Franklin (of course!) in 1751. The Pennsylvania Hospital intended to care for "the sick, poor, and insane." Later, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) became the first pediatric-only hospital. And, to add one more to the list, Fox Chase Cancer Center was the first cancer-focused hospital in the country. To put it simply: if you get sick, you want to be in Philadelphia.
6. Toynbee Tiles got their start on the streets of Philadelphia.
If you're in the habit of looking down when you walk through Philly, chances are you've seen these weird tiles on the street. They began to appear in the 1980s across North America (and even a few down into South America). They all say the same thing: "TOYNBEE IDEA IN MOViE `2001 RESURRECT DEAD ON PLANET JUPITER." To this day, nobody really knows what, exactly, they mean or who created them, but there are plenty of theories out there. We do know that they first started here in Philadelphia, and there are more here than anywhere else. If you see a Toynbee Tile in another city, it may even reference a Philadelphia address!
7. The first Moon Tree was planted in Washington Square Park.
For some reason, NASA decided to send tree seeds to the Moon with Apollo 14. The seeds came back with the astronauts and were ceremoniously planted; the very first one was planted in Washington Square Park on May 6, 1975.
Baleroy Mansion was built in 1911 in Chestnut Hill. It's considered one of the most haunted places in the world and is frequently the site of paranormal investigations. For a few years, the mansion was home to an antique chair once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte. Over the years, four people who sat in the chair died nearly immediately afterwards, so the owner of Baleroy put the chair in storage, and never again allowed guests to sit in his chair of death.
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9. America's first serial killer was executed at Moyamensing Prison.
You know where the Acme at Passyunk Avenue and Reed Street stands? It used to be Moyamensing Prison. The prison opened in 1835, and the infamous H.H. Holmes - one of America's first serial killers - was executed here for his gruesome string of murders around the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. He was convicted for nine murders, though many believe the true number of Holmes' victims could be in the hundreds. He was hanged, but the hanging didn't go quite as planned and it took nearly 20 minutes before Holmes to be pronounced dead.
Do you know of any other unusual trivia about Philadelphia? Share your favorite facts in the comments below!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
As one of the most historic cities in America, it makes sense that the history of our great city includes many things Philly did first. We've changed not only the country but the entire world through the course of Philadelphia's history. There are so many things invented in Philadelphia, many thanks to our famous founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin and William Penn. We can brag about so many inventions from Philadelphia and things Philly did first. Here are a few of the most notable Philadelphia firsts:
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1. Philadelphia was home to the very first zoo in America.
The first zoo in America was chartered in 1859. However, the outbreak of the Civil War delayed the opening of the Philadelphia Zoo until July 1, 1874. When the zoo opened, the collection numbered around 1,000 animals, and admission was only a quarter. Today, the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the best zoos in the entire world and one of the best Philadelphia inventions for animal lovers. It's renowned for breeding animals that otherwise struggle in captivity, and it's known as a worldwide leader in conservation efforts for many endangered species.
2. Another great Philadelphia first: we were home to the first lending library in America.
In the 1730s, books were hard to come by for the average American citizen. Books were expensive, and there weren't any public libraries. On July 1, 1731, Ben Franklin and a group of members from the philosophical organization known as "The Junto" decided to help solve this problem and make reading more accessible. The group drew up an agreement to form a library. Books were ordered from London, and the library's motto was a Latin phrase that means "to support the common good is divine." A few of the books in the library's collection were donated by Benjamin Franklin himself.
3. Philadelphia opened the first hospital in America.
Dr. Thomas Bond first sought to create a public hospital in the United States in the 1750s. With the help of Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania Hospital was founded on May 11, 1751. Pennsylvania Hospital was also home to America's first surgical amphitheater. In another Philadelphia first, the hospital would house the first medical library in the country. The main building, which dates back to 1756, still stands today.
William Penn founded the city in 1682. He created a grid that was based around five squares, which are now known as Rittenhouse, Washington, Logan, Franklin, and City Hall. This was the very first time a North American city had been officially planned.
5. Philadelphia was home to the world's first computer.
It may not look like the computers we know and use daily today, but ENIAC was the world's first all-purpose digital computer. It was invented at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946. Can you imagine where we'd be without it? It's incredible to think that we now hold more computing power than this in our hands each day!
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6. The first department store parade was in Philadelphia.
The very first department store parade was the 1920 Gimbel's Thanksgiving Day parade, which took place in Philadelphia. Macy's may be the famous one today, but their New York parade didn't start until four years later, after they saw the success of the Philadelphia holiday celebration.
7. Here's another invention from Philadelphia that's used pretty frequently: the first American flag was sewn here.
Okay, there's no concrete evidence that Betsy Ross was the actual designer of the first American flag. However, it is certain that an upholsterer or seamstress in Philadelphia was the first to make the many flags that the colonial troops were to carry into battle during the American Revolution.
8. The first Fourth of July celebration took place in Philadelphia.
The country was just a year old when cannons were fired across the Delaware River from Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. The celebration marked one year since independence had been declared from Britain from the cobblestone streets of Philadelphia.
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9. The first "university" in America opened in Philadelphia.
While Harvard, William and Mary, Yale, and Princeton often fight this claim, it's true that UPenn was the first medical school in the country - it was founded in 1765. Therefore, it was the very first American school to offer both undergraduate and graduate education. It was also the first institution in the country to use the title "university."
10. The first American volunteer fire company was in Philly.
Benjamin Franklin's Bucket Brigade at the Union Fire Company was the very first volunteer fire department in the country. It was founded back in 1736. Where would our city be without Ben?!
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11. The first museum in America opened in Philadelphia.
The Museum of the American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743. This makes it the oldest museum in America. The society is even considered the country's first "learned" society.
These things invented in Philadelphia are just a small sample of the incredible history that our great city can brag about. Walkthe streets of Old City and read each historic marker along the way - you'll be stunned by what you learn about your hometown.
