1748 The first Lutheran denomination in North America, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, is founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1759 In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first American life insurance company is incorporated.
1774 First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1774 The first Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1775 American Revolutionary War: Representatives from the Thirteen Colonies begin the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
1776 The Declaration of Independence is read aloud in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Liberty Bell is rung.
1777 British troops occupy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Revolution.
1778 American Revolutionary War: British troops abandon Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1787 In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delegates convene a Constitutional Convention to write a new Constitution for the United States; George Washington presides.
1787 The United States Constitution is signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1790 The U.S. Congress moves from New York City to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1834 In Philadelphia, members of the American Whig Party and American Democrats carry out a brick, stone, and firearm, battle for the control of an election in Moyamensing Township, resulting in one death, several injuries, and the burning down of a block of the town's buildings.
1842 Lombard Street Riot erupts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
1847 The American Medical Association is founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1856 The ''Know-Nothings'' convene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to nominate their first Presidential candidate, former President Millard Fillmore.
1900 The American League is organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with 8 founding teams.
1950 Cold War: In Philadelphia, Harry Gold pleads guilty to spying for the Soviet Union by passing secrets from atomic scientist Klaus Fuchs.
1959 With the admission of Alaska as the 49th U.S. state earlier in the year, the 49-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1960 Due to the post-Independence Day admission of Hawaii as the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959, the 50-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania almost ten and a half months later (see Flag Act).
1985 Police storm MOVE headquarters in Philadelphia to end a stand-off, killing 11 MOVE members and destroying the homes of 250 city residents.
1985 The Live Aid benefit concert takes place in London and Philadelphia, as well as other venues such as Sydney and Moscow.
1996 In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, world champion Garry Kasparov beats the Deep Blue supercomputer in a chess match.
1996 In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a panel of federal judges blocks a law against indecency on the internet.