The Historic City of Philadelphia
Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, The US Mint and Betsy Ross
Philadelphia, arguably the most historically important city in the US, is a twenty first century city, filled with living history. Reminders of the Philadelphia’s role in the struggle for independence are everywhere and many important historical sites, including every one in this article, can be visited free of charge.
Independence Hall
500 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19106+1 215 965 7676 / +1 800 537 7676
Visit this excellent example of Georgian architecture with a unique place in American History.
In this building
- George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief
- The Declaration of Independence was adopted
- The design for the American Flag was agreed
- The Articles of Confederation were adopted
- The US constitution was drafted
See the original “Rising Sun” chair, used by Washington when he chaired the Constitutional Convention.
Admission is free of charge, but a ticket is needed.
The Liberty Bell
500 Market St Philadelphia, PA 19106+1 215-597-8974
On 8 July 1776, a bell rang over Philadelphia, before the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. William Penn commissioned the bell in 1752, and used the biblical verse Leviticus chapter 25 verse 10 to "proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof".
The bell rang for many important public announcements in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In the 1830’s, anti slavery groups adopted the bell’s message as part of their campaign and the “Liberty Bell” was named.
Due to cracks, the bell has remained silent since 1846 and is now on display at the Liberty Bell Center with details of its history.
The Philadelphia Mint
151 North Independence Mall East Philadelphia 19106-1886 1-800-872-646
Visit the US mint, which produces up to 20 billion coins annually. This 45 minute guided tour shows how coins are made and outlines the Mint’s history.
The mint is open weekdays (except Federal Holidays) between 9am and 3pm. For security, adult visitors are required to provide government-issued photo identification.
Betsy Ross' House
239 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19106+1 (215) 686-1252
Betsy Ross, who sewed the first American flag, lived at 239 Arch Street between 1773 and 1786. In 1898, The Betsy Ross Memorial Association bought the house where she and husband John ran their upholstery business. Today seven rooms, with period decoration, recreate how the house looked in Betsy’s day. Admission is free but a donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children is suggested.
Society Hill
Wander round Society Hill and admire the original 18th and 19th century buildings, where cobbled streets and Georgian buildings combine. See the Society Hill Synagogue, built as a Baptist Church in 1829 and St Peter’s Church, which dates from 1758.
Philadelphia Tourist Information
Pennsylvania Tourist Information
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