Can I set a permanent home page

Hi,
I am about a week into my iPad and I have a question. When in Safari, I Google ESPN and the page loads. When I go to another app or shut it down, the next time I open Safari it opens the last page I was on. Why?
I cannot figure it out. Suggestions?
Also can I set a permanent home page like I can on my computer ?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
