Welcome Park

William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682 as the capital of the Pennsylvania colony. Welcome Park was named after Penn's ship—the Welcome. The statue of Penn in the middle of the park is a miniature of the one atop City Hall that was designed by Alexander Milne Calder. The Friends of Independence National Historical Park built this park in 1982 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Pennsylvania. It is located on the site of the Slate Roof House, Penn's residence in Philadelphia from 1699-1701, across the street from the City Tavern.