Where It All Began At Independence Hall – Part of Philadelphia History

Independence Hall in Philadelphia - Part of Philadelphia History

‘They Risked Everything – Part of Philadelphia History’

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History of Independence Hall

Independence Hall is a significant building in American History, to where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. It was built between 1732 and 1753 and designed by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton.

Independence Hall can be thought as the birthplace of the United States. It was initially inhabited by the colonial government of Pennsylvania as its State House, from 1732 to 1799. This is where the Second Continental Congress originated and became the principal meeting place, which has become known as Congress, which is now in Washington D.C.

For more History of Independence Hall – Independence Hall

The Independence Hall Experience & Atmosphere

You step into a part of history at Independence Hall, where you get to see the very chair that George Washington, our very first President, sat in. Visit the West wing and you’ll get to see original drafts of the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Hall consists of one main building with a bell-tower and steeple, and has two smaller wings attached to the central building.

The bell tower of Independence Hall was the original home of the “Liberty Bell” and today it holds a “Centennial Bell” that was created for the United States Centennial Exposition in 1876.

The two smaller buildings that adjoin the wings of Independence Hall are Old City Hall which is to the east, and Congress Hall which is to the west. These two wings were demolished in 1811–1812, though they have since been reconstructed. Currently in the West Wing, the original inkstand used to sign the Declaration and an original draft of the Constitution is displayed.

The building itself, 60% of the wood and 80% of the bricks are original and have survived since the early 1700’s. All of the rooms are well-preserved.

Did you know?

  • The basement once served as the city’s dog pound
  • Some historians note that Ben Franklin would occasionally trip other delegates from his aisle seat.
  • Even though there were very hot days in the summer of 1787, the windows were kept shut so others could not overhear their discussions.

Some of information above regarding Independence Hall is supplied from Wikipedia Independence Hall.

Location

520 Chestnut Street  |  Betwen 5th & 6th Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Hours

First tour starts at 9:00 am. Typically 9 am – 5 pm. Hours vary by season. (call ahead)
Open all year round except Christmas.

Tickets

Tickets are required (depending on time period) & Free – You need a timed ticket if visiting the Hall from March 1st to December 31st from 9 am to 5 pm. Go to the Independence Visitor’s Center to get your tickets, starting at 8:30 am. During the busy season, tickets are usually gone by noon.

Want to avoid waiting in the walk-up ticket line and to guarantee a ticket, you can purchase tickets online or by phone in advance for $1.50 per ticket. For more ticket info, Click Here.

Phone

(215) 965-2305

Web Site



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