This map of Philadelphia was published in 1752. While no colonial "city" approached the size of a European capitol, a few like Philadelphia had grown into significant commercial centers. By 1772, its population would total 28,000. This map reveals both the orderly grid of Philadelphia's original settlement and its more freeform connections to the surrounding farming communities. Of particular interest on this map are the last names -- and the nationalities they suggest -- attached to all of the outer dwellings.

Investigate the source using the zoom and navigational tools in the Flash player and then answer the questions below.

1			Examine the layout of the city proper and its environs. How are the surrounding houses arranged? How are the inner city's buildings arranged? Why are they so different?
2			Zoom into the map and examine some of the names on the buildings outside the city limits. Can you guess the nationality of some of the occupants? Can you see evidence of concentrations of some nationalities?
3			How is the city of Philadelphia situated with respect to the Delaware River? How is it connected to the farm lands surrounding it? How might these geographical facts explain Philadelphia's position as a leading center of colonial commerce?