Historical Sites
Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker. King Charles II granted him a parcel of land that included 1,280 acres between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. For Penn, this was the beginning of a new colony based on religious freedom. His vision of Philadelphia as a "Holy Experiment" was well planned and engineered. With dreams of a "Greene Countrie Towne," he asked Captain Thomas Holmes to design the city in a grid pattern with wide streets and several green public spaces. The public squares which anchored his design still exist - Washington, Franklin, Rittenhouse and Logan squares; City Hall stands on the site of Centre Square at Broad and Market streets. Due to its excellent location on the Atlantic Coast and accessible port facilities, Philadelphia grew rapidly in the 18th century into the second largest English-speaking city in the world and flourished as the cultural centre of the New World.
Philadelphia's history from 1774 to 1800 is linked to that of the American Revolution and the young nation. As the colonies grew, Philadelphia became the centre of their growing quest for freedom. The First Continental Congress met at Carpenters' Hall in 1774 to air their grievances against King George III. At the State House, later renamed Independence Hall, the Second Continental Congress met in 1775 which later drafted the Declaration of Independence. It was at the State House that the colonies declared their independence in 1776. Philadelphia served as the fledgling nation's capital from 1790 to 1800. The story of the U.S.A.'s founding is preserved at Independence National Historical Park, part of the United States National Park Service known as "America's most historic square mile."
The following historical sites are open to the public:
Independence National Historical Park
The most historic square mile in the U.S.A. contains a number of sites relating to the U.K. It was here that a group of colonists first got together to plan their independence from the King of England, which resulted in many battles between the colonists and the British, and ultimately, the birth of the U.S.A. as a separate nation. Sites in the park include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenters' Hall, and many more notable landmarks.
The Liberty Bell
The most famous bell in the world was cast in London by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and sent to Philadelphia in 1752 for the new Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. Before it could be installed, a crack was found and the bell was recast by two Philadelphia craftsmen, John Stowe and John Pass. The bell tolled to gather the citizens of Philadelphia, including for the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. The last time the bell was rung was on George Washington's birthday in 1846. Although it remained silent, the Liberty Bell became a symbol of freedom and independence for generations of Americans and for many around the world. Visitors can see the Liberty Bell and learn about the bell's history and signifcance. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free. Translations of the Bell's history are available in Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Independence Hall
Built between 1732 and 1756 as the Pennsylvania State House, this is the site where the Declaration of Independence (modeled after the Magna Carta) was first adopted and the United States Constitution was written. Next to Independence Hall is Congress Hall, where the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives met from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the nation's capital. On the other side of Independence Hall is Old City Hall, the historical home of the United States Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800. Free tours are available with timed tickets, which can be obtained on the day of the visit at the Independence Visitor Center (Sixth and Market Sts.), or in advance at www.reservation.nps.gov.
Carpenters’ Hall
This beautiful Georgian structure was built from 1770-1774 for the Carpenters' Guild. The First Continental Congress met here in 1774 and the building served as a hospital during the Revolutionary War. Today, the first floor is open to the public with exhibits.
Second Bank of the United States
Built in the Greek Revival-style, the 19th-century bank is now a portrait gallery housing paintings of the leaders and politicians of Colonial U.S.A.
Franklin Court
The site of Benjamin Franklin's home now houses a steel "ghost structure" of Franklin's house, the U.S.A.'s first post office, archeological displays and an 18th-century printing shop. One of Philadelphia's most famous colonial statesmen and inventors, Franklin spent long periods of time in England where he broadened and balanced his views of science, politics, and foreign affairs. He also had a house in London (which still stands) at 36 Craven Street.
