Which colony did William Penn establish as a refuge for Quakers?

• A. Delaware
• B. New York
• C. Pennsylvania
• D. New Jersey

Answer: (C)

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a haven for Quakers who faced persecution for their beliefs. Penn, a Quaker himself, envisioned a “holy experiment” in which religious liberty, fair treatment of Native Americans, and representative government would guide life and governance. The colony protected freedom of worship and allowed an elected assembly, embodying Penn’s commitment to conscience and tolerance. This made Pennsylvania the place most closely associated with providing refuge for Quakers, with Philadelphia becoming a center of Quaker life and reform. Delaware was part of Penn’s grant early on, but Pennsylvania remains the key refuge tied to Penn’s ideals.