Independence Hall
Chestnut Street between 5^th and 6^th Streets
(215)597-8974
Hours: Daily, 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Free

Independence Hall, in the Historic District of Philadelphia, is one of the most important buildings in our country’s history. Known as the birthplace of the United States, the Hall has housed such momentous events as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Constitution. It was constructed in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House, and used to contain the seal of England hanging over the large desk in one of the front rooms; later, that seal was taken to City Hall and burned following the decision to go to war for independence.

The East Wing of the hall is where all of the important events occurred. To help you on your way, tours are established every twenty minutes or so. The guides really know their history, and are more than happy to take you through the two rooms on the ground floor and the several more upstairs. The rooms on the lower floor are the most important; one shows the actual room where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed, and the other was where George Washington was appointed as commander-in-chief of the young army. Upstairs you’ll find the Long Room, which used to host the important galas and banquets held in the hall.

The West Wing hosts an impressive book store and gift shop, where you can stock up on the obligatory Revolutionary War souvenirs. The hall itself sits on the edge of Independence Square, which is a stunningly maintained plaza surrounded by old, historic buildings. A fountain, several statues, and a great view of the district make it a perfect place to cool your heels. Plaques in front of the hall commemorate famous leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, and every July 4^th, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal is presented to a famous and outstanding world leader. Definitely one of the highlights of a trip to Philadelphia, we recommend that you set aside at least an hour and visit Independence Hall.