6th and Chestnut Streets
(215)597-8974
Hours: Daily, 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Free
Congress Hall, in the heart of the
historic district of Philadelphia, is a venerable building with
a very colorful past. It first existed as the Philadelphia
County Courthouse and in the following years many very important
decisions that influenced the country were made here. Located in
the Independence Hall area, it provides a welcome addition to a
day-trip in the area.
The United States Congress used the
building as its meeting place from 1790 until the turn of the
century, during which time Alexander Hamilton’s proposals for
institutions were heard. Perhaps the hall’s biggest claim to
fame is that the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution
within its hallowed halls. Other important events which occurred
within Congress Hall were the addition of new states like
Tennessee and Vermont, and the inaugurations of John Adams and
of George Washington in 1797, which took place on the second
floor of the building.
With so many achievements, and wonderful
Colonial architecture to boot, Congress Hall is definitely
deserving of a stop on your tour of the historic district. While
in Independence Hall, be sure not to overlook this very storied,
very important building.
Click
here to see a Virtual Tour of Congress Hall
Click
here to see more 360 Degree Pictures
