In general, no primary religious group dominated in colonial Pennsylvania. Religious sects that had a strong presence in this area included Quakers and Lutherans.
Pennsylvania was officially founded in 1682 by William Penn. It represented one of the 13 original American colonies. The colony’s founder considered himself a Quaker; freedom of worship for Quakers was a prominent reason for the colony’s founding. Penn also strongly believed in religious tolerance for all individuals. He was one of the main voices against the oppressive Church of England. Under Penn’s leadership, Pennsylvania developed into a colony that promoted and granted religious freedom. As a result, worshipers from nearly every major religious group of the time could be found in the region.
