Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park
Type	Park
Coordinates	39.9489,-75.1500
Area	55 acres
Established	1948
Website	Official Site

Independence National Historical Park is a United States National Park in Philadelphia preserving several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding. Established in 1948, the park encompasses 55 acres in Old City and includes Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, and numerous other historic buildings. With over 4 million visitors annually, it is one of America's most visited historical sites and is often called "America's most historic square mile." Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

Revolutionary Era

Founding events:

• Continental Congress met here (1774-1789)
• Declaration of Independence signed (July 4, 1776)
• Constitution signed (September 17, 1787)
• Capital of United States (1790-1800)

19th-20th Century

Preservation:

• Independence Hall preserved
• Surrounding area deteriorated
• Urban renewal
• National park creation movement

Park Establishment (1948)

National park:

• Established June 28, 1948
• Buildings transferred to NPS
• Restoration began
• Mall created

Independence Mall

Urban renewal:

• Three blocks cleared north of Independence Hall
• Created in 1950s-1960s
• Constitutional Center added (2003)
• Liberty Bell Center (2003)

Major Sites

Independence Hall

Centerpiece:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Declaration and Constitution signed here
• Georgian architecture
• Timed entry required

Liberty Bell Center

Iconic symbol:

• Famous cracked bell
• Originally in Independence Hall
• Free viewing
• Interpretive exhibits

Congress Hall

Legislative history:

• U.S. Congress met here (1790-1800)
• Washington and Adams inaugurations
• Restored chambers
• West of Independence Hall

Old City Hall

Judicial history:

• U.S. Supreme Court met here (1791-1800)
• East of Independence Hall
• Restored courtroom

Second Bank of the United States

Greek Revival landmark:

• Portrait gallery now
• National Portrait Gallery collection
• Founding father portraits

Carpenters' Hall

First Continental Congress:

• Met here in 1774
• Still owned by Carpenters' Company
• Privately operated

Declaration House

Jefferson's boarding house:

• Reconstructed
• Where Jefferson drafted Declaration
• Exhibits

Franklin Court

Benjamin Franklin:

• Site of Franklin's home
• Underground museum
• "Ghost structure" marks home
• Printing office

Christ Church

Colonial church:

• Washington, Franklin worshipped here
• Colonial architecture
• Cemetery nearby

Visiting

Admission

Free entry:

• No admission charge
• Timed tickets for Independence Hall
• Reserve in advance during peak season
• Liberty Bell free, no ticket needed

Hours

Open daily:

• Year-round operation
• Seasonal hours vary
• Closed some holidays
• Visitor center hours

Visitor Center

Starting point:

• 6th and Market Streets
• Information
• Film screening
• Gift shop

UNESCO World Heritage

Designation

Global recognition:

• Independence Hall inscribed 1979
• Universal value recognized
• International significance
• Preservation commitment

Independence Mall

Layout

Three-block civic space:

• North of Independence Hall
• National Constitution Center (north end)
• Liberty Bell Center
• Visitor facilities

Constitution Center

Interactive museum:

• Opened 2003
• Constitution history
• Signers' Hall
• Separate admission

Events

July 4th

Independence Day:

• Major celebrations
• Reading of Declaration
• Concerts and fireworks
• Massive crowds

Naturalization Ceremonies

Citizenship:

• New citizens sworn in
• Independence Hall setting
• Historic significance

See Also

• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell
• Old City
• National Constitution Center