Who is recognized as the founder of Pennsylvania?

William Penn is recognized as the founder of Pennsylvania due to his role in establishing the colony in the late 17th century. He received a land grant from King Charles II as repayment for a debt owed to his father. Penn envisioned Pennsylvania as a place of religious freedom and tolerance, particularly for Quakers, who faced persecution in England. He implemented a framework for governance that included fair treatment of Native Americans and democratic principles. His significant contributions to the state’s founding philosophy and its early governing structures solidified his legacy as its founder.