Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park, PA
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park preserves several historic sites directly related to the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Established on July 4, 1956 (Independence Day), the 55-acre park is one of the National Park Service Sites in Pennsylvania.
Independence National Historical Park has been dubbed “America’s most historic square mile” and with good reason. Visitors are never more than a short walk away from another piece of early American history.
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Features of Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is comprised of many different buildings, structures and other historic places — the most notable of which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value.
Independence Hall
The centerpiece and main attraction within Independence National Historical Park is its namesake, Independence Hall. The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both conceived and signed inside this national treasure, in 1776 and 1787 respectively.
Construction began in 1732, and the Pennsylvania State House (as it was originally named) was completed in 1753. The brick building was a collaboration between Andrew Hamilton and Edmund Woolley and would eventually house all three branches of the colonial government of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Independence Hall is the birthplace of America.
Independence Hall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its outstanding cultural value. The foundation of democracy laid out in both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution continue to impact and influence other nations and law-makers around the world.
Independence Hall is located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Those wishing to visit Independence Hall must pass through a security screening area on Chestnut Street at the eastern side of the building. Tickets are required, but can be obtained for free at the Independence Visitor Center on the same day of the tour.
For further reading on Independence Hall and its World Heritage listing, click here.
Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell is perhaps Philadelphia’s most recognizable symbol and is a manifestation of American independence. Commissioned in 1752, the 2,080 lb. bell was cast with the following Biblical text – “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.” The crack for which the bell is known for, occurred during the early 19th century. Two foundry workers from Philadelphia — John Pass and John Stow — would recast the Liberty Bell on two separate occasions. The waist of the bell proudly displays their names.
Originally housed within the steeple of what is now Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell today resides within the Liberty Bell Center, which is located across the street from the World Heritage listed property. The Liberty Bell Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is free. No tickets or reservations are required to see the Liberty Bell. Similar to Independence Hall, visitors must pass through a security screening area prior to entering.
Congress Hall
Congress Hall was the meeting place of the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800. Built in the late 18th century, the Philadelphia County Court House would accommodate the House of Representatives and the Senate, while Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Once the capital moved to Washington, D.C., Congress Hall resumed operations as a Federal and State Court.
Two presidential inaugurations occurred inside Congress Hall during Philadelphia’s years as the United States capital. In the Senate Chamber, President George Washington was sworn in under oath in 1793 for his second term in office. Four years later, Federalist John Adams would become the second President of the United States, taking the oath of office within the House Chamber.
Congress Hall is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with tours operating every 20-30 minutes, depending on the month that you visit.
Other Buildings and Sites
Nearly two dozen other notable buildings and sites in Philadelphia are part of Independence National Historical Park, and are therefore, managed by the National Park Service. These sites include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Carpenters’ Hall
- Free Quaker Meeting House
- Old City Hall
- Declaration House
- Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier
- Christ Church
- City Tavern
- First Bank of the United States
- Second Bank of the United States
- Washington Square
Visiting Independence National Historical Park
As one may guess, the Independence Visitor Center is also one of the properties included in the National Park Service Site. The building is located on 6th and Market Streets and is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.) Independence Visitor Center has an extensive gift shop with all of your Philadelphia, Independence Hall and Liberty Bell themed souvenir needs. Practical information awaits those who are visiting the park, and restrooms are available to patrons.
Click here to view the official National Park Service page for Independence National Historical Park.
