Philly helped start the paper industry in pre-Revolutionary America (opens original article in a new tab)

Philadelphia's Germantown was home to the first U.S. paper mill, established by William Rittenhouse in 1690, which supported early printing and publishing activities and used recycled materials and water power.

• William Rittenhouse established the first U.S. paper mill in Philadelphia's Germantown in 1690.
• The paper mill supported early printing, journalism, and book publishing in the area, with a network of family-run businesses.
• The process involved recycling linen rags and used water power, differing from modern paper production which relies on forestry.