The Keystone State Founder is William Penn, who founded the state of Pennsylvania in 1681. Penn was an English Quaker and a leader in the religious Society of Friends. He was granted a charter by King Charles II of England to establish a colony in the New World. Penn's vision for the colony was to create a place of religious freedom and tolerance, which he achieved through his 'Frame of Government' document. Penn's legacy lives on in Pennsylvania today, as it is still known as the Keystone State.