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. Joseph Smith organized branch of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in city, 23 Dec. 1839. Smith spoke to congregation of about 3,000 people in city, Dec. 1839.
Retrieved with permission from The Joseph Smith Papers.