The historical development of the United States and its foundation in democratic principles are highly significant to its citizens. Visiting Independence Hall provides a personal opportunity to tour the corridors where the nation’s founders deliberated on the structure of government at this esteemed historic site. Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed in this building, shaping laws worldwide today.
Visit Philadelphia’s Independence Hall
“For Americans, indeed for people around the world, there is no more potent symbol of individual freedom than Independence Hall.” – NPS.gov
The Birthplace of Freedom
Philadelphia is historically significant as the birthplace of American freedom. Independence Hall, a Georgian-style building located within the 54-acre Independence National Historical Park in Philly’s Old City, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democracy and promoting liberty. As America commemorates its 250th anniversary this year, Independence Hall, along with the historic Philadelphia region, serve as an appropriate venue for reflecting on the important events that took place before, during, and after the American Revolution and altered the course of U.S. history.
America’s Most Historic Square Mile
Philadelphia boasts a rich abundance of notable buildings, with 68 National Historic Landmarks alone. Proudly included in that count is Independence Hall, the civic building that played an important role as the birthplace of America. The visitable structure sits along “America’s most historic square mile,” with other key significant sites such as the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and the National Constitution Center. Currently, Independence Hall and the surrounding area serve as prominent tourist destinations, with the historic red brick building preserving its understated appeal and originality inside and out. Constructed as the Pennsylvania State House beginning in 1732, the building was initially designed to house all three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, formerly titled “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,” was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This “founding document” of the United States announced the separation of the U.S. Colonies from Great Britain, though a system of laws and processes to unify America remained lacking. At that time, citizens perceived the Declaration as the work of Continental Congress rather than being largely written by Thomas Jefferson. Those who helped Jefferson draft and sign the document met in the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall). In addition to Thomas Jefferson, other notable signers of the Declaration of Independence include Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams and other important contributors.
The Constitution of the United States
Eleven years after the Declaration of Independence, delegates at the Constitutional Convention signed the United States Constitution in the same building to establish the U.S. government. Constitutionus.com describes, “In 1783, after winning the Revolutionary War with Great Britian, it became clear that America needed a more powerful central government to protect America’s freedom from foreign tyrants.” Therefore, a constitution was drafted to “create a free and stable nation that protected the rights of the people.”
Why meet again in Philadelphia?
Colonial Philadelphia was selected for the 1787 Constitutional Convention because it was a large city centrally located along the East Coast. The location was convenient for the delegates, offering nearby taverns, lodging, and event spaces, most notably the Pennsylvania State House. Many of the delegates already knew Philadelphia well from their earlier political activities during the Revolutionary War. Fittingly, fifty-five delegates from 12 colonies, overseen by George Washington, gathered to debate key issues like state versus federal power – in the very same room where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed
They met in secret
Few young people realize that the founding fathers met in secret at the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Originally seeking to revise the Articles of Confederation, delegates instead debated privately behind sealed doors and windows to avoid public influence, ultimately shaping a new constitution. The convention’s confidential approach aimed to foster candid discussion, as public gatherings were often seen as breeding grounds for rumors and inaccuracies. If the walls of Independence Hall could talk, what dynamic words we’d hear exchanged!
Washington’s involvement
George Washington played a pivotal role in the founding of our nation’s resilient system of mixed government. However, surprisingly, he had to be persuaded to attend the Convention. University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for the Study of the American Constitution explains how the events of the 1780s tested the limits of Washington’s commitment. “When the Virginia legislature selected Washington as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention, he declined. Only the persistent pressure from several prominent individuals convinced Washington that his presence was essential.”
Washington elected
Rather than enter private life permanently, as he wished to do following the American Revolution, George Washington remained engaged in politics, reform, and the shaping of the nation. Upon his unanimous appointment as convention president in 1787, Washington kept relatively quiet during the debates to allow the delegates to express their beliefs. Per Mountvernon.org, “As the delegates argued Washington observed, while sitting on a tall wooden chair on an elevated platform in front. Wearing his old military uniform, Washington participated little in the debates, seeing his function as nonpartisan, to maintain or restore order when debate became too boisterous.”
Important cornerstone
Independence Hall is a cherished U.S. national landmark in the historic section of “The City of Brotherly Love.” As a principal meeting place for early government, and a revered location where America’s guiding principles came to life, Independence Hall is unparalleled in history. As part of the greater Independence National Historical Park buildings, visitors can tour Independence Hall and explore other important sites nearby including the Liberty Bell, the Independence Visitor Center, the National Constitution Center and more. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, a proclamation recognizes Independence Hall as having “fundamental importance to American history and profound impact on law-makers around the world.”
Helpful visitor information
Inside Independence Hall, visitors can see the colonial Assembly Room, arranged in the original configuration from the Constitutional Convention and view artifacts from the era, including George Washington’s famed “rising sun” chair with intricate carving. Washington used the chair for nearly three months, with Benjamin Franklin stating at the close of the convention, “I have often looked at that picture behind the president without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” Tours may also include the Supreme Court Chamber and Great Essentials exhibit in the west wing featuring original 18th century first-generation copies of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution.
Legacy and Ideals
Independence Hall is widely regarded as one of the most historically significant buildings in the country, serving as the venue where influential figures convened to debate and compose pivotal documents that altered the trajectory of American history. A visit here offers an immersive perspective on the period during which the founding fathers shaped the direction of the United States in support of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” It was also within these historic halls that the U.S. Constitution was drafted, establishing a democratic republic form of government with power allocated among three branches and the states, while safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Visitor info
Independence Hall has been prepped for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets are usually required and sell out fast, though self-guided tours may sometimes be exempt. Timed tickets are typically required to tour first-floor exhibits and expanded and guided tours in English or Spanish are also available. Basic tours generally last 20 minutes with no seating available inside. A non-refundable reservation fee, unless otherwise waived, is $1.00 per ticket. For information or to obtain tickets call 1-877-444-6777 during operating hours or visit recreation.gov to create an account and reserve tickets. Visitor information is subject to change, so be sure to check for updates.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional or visitor advice.
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Very good article , attention to the significance of Independence Hall is appropriate . I was born in Philadelphia in 1950 , first visited Independence Hall in 1961 with my parents. Have been there about two dozen times since then. The spirit of what took place with the Declaration of Independence is a positive feeling that helps in understanding what the United States of America is all about. The last sentence of the Declaration – “And in support of this Declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Excellent article. Lots of interesting background info giving insight into the event, especially the wisdom of Washington’s leadership style. A reluctant leader, perhaps, but one who discerned and answered the call of the Almighty on his life.
Although my one visit to Philadelphia was more than a quarter of a century ago, I still recollect the experience of the visit to the area, and the pride in being an American it instilled in me. I wish every American could visit and experience it first-hand. Outside Independence Hall was an open area where anyone could speak out, and there was such a person with a small group of listeners doing so when I arrived. After a few minutes, I was already in disagreement with the speaker, but immediately then felt an overwhelming understanding of the importance of that experience, as if transplanted for a moment back in time – Here was the essence of America! – The freedom to speak and be heard by others, the freedom to agree or disagree, to ponder ideas new to oneself, to speak out on things both local and small, or as large as this country. To know that the blood, sweat, tears, and treasure spent for our freedom from England’s grip were not in vain, and to hope that those who follow our generation will understand what a rare gift we have been endowed with, and value the liberty to preserve it!