Editing Independence National Historical Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = Independence National Historical Park
| image =
| image_caption = Independence Hall
| address = 143 South Third Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9489,-75.1500
| established = 1948
| area = 55 acres
| visitors = 4+ million annually
| operator = National Park Service
| website = https://www.nps.gov/inde
}}

'''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'''.<ref name="nps-inde">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/inde |title=Independence National Historical Park |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== 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]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Independence National Historical Park - America's Most Historic Square Mile
|description=Independence National Historical Park, home to Independence Hall (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Liberty Bell, and founding sites of American democracy. 4+ million visitors annually.
|keywords=Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, American Revolution, Philadelphia history, National Park Service, Declaration of Independence
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Old City]]