Which Pennsylvania city is one of America250’s four designated leading cities?

Philadelphia is one of America250’s four designated leading cities.

Federal legislation identifies Boston, Charleston, New York City, and Philadelphia as leading cities for semiquincentennial events. Philadelphia has a particularly central role because the Second Continental Congress met there and the Declaration of Independence was adopted there in 1776.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is associated with both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. The city also hosted the major Centennial Exposition in 1876 and the Sesquicentennial Exposition in 1926, giving it a long connection with national anniversary celebrations.

The designation does not mean Philadelphia is the only host city. America250 is intended as a nationwide commemoration involving all states and territories. “Leading city” refers to the locations specifically named in the 2016 legislation, not to a ranking of American cities by population or importance.