Visiting Revolutionary Philadelphia

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The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

 

When most people think Revolutionary Philadelphia it is the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall that come to mind. But there is more to see in the old part of city, and you can spend a very nice day exploring it.

Start your visit at the Independence Visitors Center. Located on the Independence Mall, it is the perfect place to get information on what is happening in the area. It also has a National Park video about Colonial Philadelphia, a souvenir shop, and cafe to help energize your day.




Along Independence Mall you will find the two most popular sites in the Old City - The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell was cast in the early 1750’s to ring in the tower of what is today known as Independence Hall. The bell was rung in 1776 to signify the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the 1830’s it became a symbol used by abolitionists. It was working from 1753 through 1846, when a second crack developed, making it unusable. After the Civil War the Liberty Bell toured the country to be shown at fairs and exhibitions. In 1948 the National Park Service took ownership of the bell, and put it on display in Independence Hall. For the bicentennial celebrations in 1976 a separate pavilion was built, and in 2003 it was moved into its current, much larger home, which includes an extensive history display.


The Liberty Bell

Historical Displays in the Liberty Bell Pavilion


Across the street is Independence Hall. This set of of buildings served as the capital of both the colony and state of Pennsylvania from 1753 until 1810. Of course it is best known as the home to the Continental Congress of 1776, where the declaration of Independence was signed, and also the Constitution Convention of 1787. To tour the Hall requires that you get online and reserve a ticket in advance, and can sell out if you wait for the day of your visit (this happened to me), but two other buildings are still worth a visit. One building holds a museum and in the West Wing is the Great Essentials exhibit. Here there are original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States.

 

Independence Hall
 







If you walk east along Chestnut Street you will get to Signer Garden. This park is on the site that was the house of artist Gilbert Stuart, who painted portraits of many famous American revolutionaries, including George Washington. Today it is a park dedicated to the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and contains a statue in their honor.


The Signer Statue by EvAngelos W. Frudakis


One more block east on Chestnut will you will find The Carpenter’s Hall. It was built in 1770 by the Carpenter’s Company of the city and county of Philadelphia, the oldest surviving craft guild in the United States. The Hall has served as a meeting place for many historically important groups, including the first Continental Congress.

 

Carpenter's Hall



These sign indicates places where you can here storytellers



Walk north for about half a mile and you will reach Elfreth’s Alley. This is a block of 32 historic buildings, most of which were built in the early 1700’s. These were the homes of workers, trades and craft people, and continue to be residences to this day. In the 1950’s the construction of I-95 almost brought the destruction of these historic homes, but a local preservation movement saved them.

 

 

 


If you have gotten to a point in your day where you want a break, walk through the Race Street tunnel under the highway. This will bring you to the edge of the Delaware River. The Race Street Pier has been turned into a tree-lined park that stretches out over the water. Next to that is the Cherry Street Pier, where you will find some food trucks and several artists studios and stores.

 



Ben Franklin Bridge



On you way back to Independence Mall stop at the Arch Street Meeting House. This still active Quaker Meeting House is over 200 years old.


Arch Street Meeting House

Sounding Board amplifies speakers voices




When you visit Revolutionary Philadelphia, remember there is more to see that the Liberty Bell, so expand your visit and take in more of the old city.

Nuts and Bolts


  • All of the buildings from the revolutionary era are part of the Liberty National Historic Park, with free admission. Be aware that entry to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall require passing through airport style security.
  • Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM every day  
  • Carpenter’s Hall is open from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tues - Sun
  • Arch Street Meeting House is open 10:00 AM - 4:00PM The, Sat, Sun. There is a $5 entry fee.
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

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