Patrick Gordon (governor) facts for kids
Patrick Gordon was an important leader in early Pennsylvania and Delaware. He was born around 1644 and passed away on August 17, 1736. From June 22, 1726, to August 4, 1736, he served as the Deputy Governor for the areas known then as the Province of Pennsylvania and the Lower Counties on the Delaware. Even though he was called "Deputy Governor," he acted much like the main governor because the actual owners of Pennsylvania, who were William Penn's family, usually lived far away in England.
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Who Was Patrick Gordon?
Patrick Gordon had a background in the military, where he was a Major in the army. This meant he was used to leading and making decisions. He lived in a place that is now called Mont Clare, Pennsylvania.
Patrick Gordon's Family Life
Governor Gordon had a family with at least seven children. His sons were Charles and Archibald. It's thought that Charles might have also joined the army. His daughters were Henrietta, Philadelphia, Elizabeth, and Agatha Harriot.
Important Events During His Time
During Patrick Gordon's time as Deputy Governor, the region experienced a period of peace and growth. Many good things happened that helped shape Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Defining Borders and New Counties
One big achievement was settling an important legal case in 1732. This case helped to temporarily set the exact borders between Pennsylvania and its neighbor, the Province of Maryland. Knowing where one area ended and another began was very important for everyone living there. Also, during his leadership, a large area called Chester County was divided. This division created a new county called Lancaster County, which helped manage the growing population better.
Building Independence Hall
A very famous building, the first State House, began construction in 1732. Today, we know this building as Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Before this new building was ready, the members of the state Assembly, who made laws, had to meet in private homes or at Quaker Meeting Houses. The start of Independence Hall was a big step for the government of Pennsylvania.
