Spotlight: Philadelphia - Independence National Historical Park

Spotlight: The first thing most people think about when they think of Philadelphia is the Declaration of Independence. This document was produced by the Second Continental Congress which convened in Independence Hall after war broke out. The document was formally adopted by the Congress on July 4, 1776, which was later adopted as the birthday of the new nation that would be created as a result of the 13 colonies gaining independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. Independence Hall was again the primary meeting place of the Constitutional Convention, which was convened in 1787 for the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation. Instead of just revising the document, the group of diplomats created a whole new form of government. The laws and systems of this new government were spelled out in the U.S. Constitution - a document that would become a standard upon which all modern day democracies are modeled. These two documents have molded not only the history of the United States, but have influenced political ideology around the globe and have channeled the course of history throughout the entire world. Independence National Historical Park preserves Independence Hall and its accompanying sites for future generations to ponder the impact of these documents as well as the birth of a new nation - the United States of America.

Location: Independence Hall is located in downtown Philadelphia at 520 Chestnut St., and is located in the principal section of Independence National Historical Park. Several other buildings are located at Franklin Court on Market Street.

Cost: Most sites in the park are free. The Ben Franklin Museum charges a modest fee of $5/adult & $2/child (4-16).

Time: About 2-4 hours for Independence Park. There are plenty of other things of interest within walking distance to take up a full day of sightseeing. The Independence Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm daily. Other exhibits are open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Between May and September, the most popular exhibits remain open until 7:00 pm.

Description: Independence National Historical Park is often described as "America's most historic square mile." It is a conglomeration of important buildings and exhibits relating to the birth of the United States. The main section of the park is located at Independence Square, which includes several popular exhibits:
     Independence Visitor Center - This is the place to start your tour. Not only can you get tickets to Independence Hall, but you can also peruse the exhibits, watch films, and get information on special events and tours that are available.
     Independence Hall - This building played an important role in creating the United States of America. It was here that both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted, signed, and ratified. Access to the rooms are only available through the official tour.

     Congress Hall - This building served as a meeting place for both houses of Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) from 1790-1800. Important events that occurred here include the admittance of 3 states into the Union, ratification of the Bill of Rights, the presidential inaugurations of George Washington (1792) and John Adams (1796), the establishment of a Bank of the U.S., the Federal Mint, and the Department of the Navy.

House of Representatives

Senate chambers

     Great Essentials Exhibit - This exhibit displays existing copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration.
     Old City Hall - Built as the City Hall of Philadelphia, the building was used by the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791-1800.
     Liberty Bell Center - This building houses the original Liberty Bell that hung in Independence Hall until 1876, when it was replaced by the Centennial Bell. There are also exhibits and a video presentation.

     Presidents House Site - Here you can view the historic foundations of the house where both George Washington and John Adams lived with their families and staff while serving as Presidents of the United States.
     A blocks and a half east of Independence Square is Franklin Court. This section of the park includes a steel "ghost structure" outlining the spot where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Franklin Court Printing Office, the first U.S. Post Office, and an architectural/ archaeological exhibit.

First US Post Office

Franklin Printing Press

     Other nearby buildings indirectly associated with the Park include: Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Bishop White House, Carpenters' Hall, Christ Church, City Tavern, Declaration House, Edgar Allan Poe NHS, Free Quaker Meeting House, Germantown White House, Gloria Dei Church, Independence Archaeology Lab, Merchants' Exchange Building, National Constitution Center, New Hall Military Museum, Philosophical Hall, Second Bank of the United States, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, Thomas Bond House, Todd House, and Washington Square.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Although there is no charge to go on a tour of Independence Hall, you do need to obtain a "timed entry ticket" from the Independence Visitor Center (except during the months of January and February). You can order them ahead of time, but there is a holding fee ($1.50/ticket).
- You must pass through security checks before entering Independence Hall. You should arrive 30 minutes before your timed entry to make sure that you make it through security before your tour starts.
- One of the best times to visit is during Philadelphia's annual 10-day Independence Day celebration.
- Leashed pets are allowed on park grounds, but not permitted into any buildings.
- There is an underground parking lot under the Independence Visitor Center.
- You can't take pictures of the original documents in the Great Essentials Exhibit because the flash deteriorates the documents.
- Ben Franklin's grave is at Christ Church. It is a fad to toss pennies onto his tomb.

Nearby: National Constitution Center, U.S. Mint, Betsy Ross House, City Tavern