Independence Hall
Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th
Streets
(215)597-8974
Hours: Daily, 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Free
Independence Hall, in the Historic
District of Philadelphia, is one of the most important buildings
in our country’s history. Known as the birthplace of the
United States, the Hall has housed such momentous events as the
signing of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of
the Constitution. It was constructed in 1732 as the Pennsylvania
State House, and used to contain the seal of England hanging
over the large desk in one of the front rooms; later, that seal
was taken to City Hall and burned following the decision to go
to war for independence.
The East Wing of the hall is where all of
the important events occurred. To help you on your way, tours
are established every twenty minutes or so. The guides really
know their history, and are more than happy to take you through
the two rooms on the ground floor and the several more upstairs.
The rooms on the lower floor are the most important; one shows
the actual room where the Declaration of Independence was
drafted and signed, and the other was where George Washington
was appointed as commander-in-chief of the young army. Upstairs
you’ll find the Long Room, which used to host the important
galas and banquets held in the hall.
The West Wing hosts an impressive book
store and gift shop, where you can stock up on the obligatory
Revolutionary War souvenirs. The hall itself sits on the edge of
Independence Square, which is a stunningly maintained plaza
surrounded by old, historic buildings. A fountain, several
statues, and a great view of the district make it a perfect
place to cool your heels. Plaques in front of the hall
commemorate famous leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and John F.
Kennedy, and every July 4th, the Philadelphia Liberty
Medal is presented to a famous and outstanding world leader.
Definitely one of the highlights of a trip to Philadelphia, we
recommend that you set aside at least an hour and visit
Independence Hall.
