Carpenters Hall
Carpenters' Hall
| Type | Historic site |
|---|---|
| Address | 320 Chestnut Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 925-0167 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1774 |
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10am-4pm |
Carpenters' Hall is a historic building in Old City, Philadelphia, where the First Continental Congress met in 1774. Built by the Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia—still the nation's oldest trade guild—the Georgian building served as the first meeting place of colonial delegates seeking to address grievances with Britain.[1]
History
The Carpenters' Company
The building's owners have an extraordinary history:
- Founded 1724 — Oldest builders' organization in America
- Master builders and architects
- Established building standards and pricing
- Still active today (300 years)
- Continues to own and maintain the building
The Building
- 1770-1774 — Construction
- Georgian architecture
- Designed by Robert Smith (member of the Company)
- Cruciform plan
- First floor as meeting hall
First Continental Congress
In September 1774:
- 56 delegates from 12 colonies met here
- Discussed response to Intolerable Acts
- Rejected plan for colonial legislature under Crown
- Adopted Declaration of Rights
- Agreed to boycott British goods
- Set stage for Revolutionary War
The delegates chose Carpenters' Hall (not the State House) to emphasize independence from the colonial government.
What to See
The Hall
The first floor is restored to its 1774 appearance:
- Original chairs used by delegates
- Period furnishings
- Display of historical artifacts
- Company's historic tools
- Banner of the First Continental Congress
Exhibits
- First Continental Congress history
- The Carpenters' Company story
- 18th-century building tools
- Scale models of historic structures
- Original documents (reproductions)
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10am-4pm |
| Closed | Mondays, some holidays |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | 320 Chestnut Street |
| Time needed | 20-30 minutes |
Tips
- Free admission—just walk in
- Smaller and less crowded than Independence Hall
- Knowledgeable docents available
- Combine with other Old City sites
- The only building still privately owned from this era
The Carpenters' Company Today
The Company remains active:
- 300 years old (founded 1724)
- Still owns Carpenters' Hall
- Continuing professional organization
- Architectural preservation advocacy
- Educational programming
Getting There
- SEPTA Subway — 5th Street Independence Hall Station (Market-Frankford Line)
- Walking — Between 3rd and 4th on Chestnut, through courtyard
- Near — Independence Hall, Second Bank
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Carpenters' Hall". Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia. Retrieved December 23, 2025