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Attraction Guide : Independence
National Historic ParkIndependence Park is an L-shaped area west of the Delaware River that features Philadelphia's most renowned historical sites. Called the birthplace of American government, Independence Hall was built between 1732 and 1756 as Pennsylvania State House, the colony's headquarters. One of the country's best examples of Georgian architecture, its simple, understated lines also show the Quaker influence of Philadelphia's early days. The Second Continental Congress later met here from 1775 to 1783. The Assembly Room is where the delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776; where the design of the US flag was agreed upon in 1777; where the Articles of the Confederation were drafted in 1781; and where the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787, producing the US Constitution. Beside Pennsylvania State House is Congress Hall, where the US Congress met between 1790 and 1800 when Philadelphia was the nation's capital. Here, the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments, were added to the Constitution, the US Mint was established, George Washington was inaugurated for his second term and Kentucky, Tennessee and Vermont were admitted to the Union. Nearby, Independence Square is where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time on 8 July 1776.  Liberty
Bell Pavilion is Philadelphia's top tourist attraction. Commissioned to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Charter of Privileges (Pennsylvania's
constitution, enacted in 1701 by William Penn) this 2080lb (936kg) bronze
bell's inscription reads: 'Proclaim liberty through all the land, to all
the inhabitants thereof.' The bell was secured in the belfry of Independence Hall and tolled on important occasions, most notably the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Square. The bell became badly cracked during the 19th century; despite initial repairs it eventually became unusable in 1846 after tolling for George Washington's birthday. Near to Independence Hall is Franklin Court, Ben Franklin's home and workplace. An underground museum on the site displays Franklin's various inventions, including a heat-efficient stove to warm houses. The National Portrait Gallery was the second bank of the US until 1836, when it was dissolved by President Andrew Jackson. It now houses several pieces of art by Charles Wilson Peale, America's top portraitist at the time of the American Revolution. Other exhibits include a copy of the first edition of the Declaration of Independence and early prints of Philadelphia from when it was the nation's capital. Old City Old City was Philadelphia in the city's early days. The face-lifted Elfreth's Alley is believed to be America's oldest residential street with colonial-style houses dating back to 1728. The Betsy Ross House is also in Old City. Some uncertainty surrounds Betsy Griscom Ross, an 18th-century seamstress. Although it's now known that she didn't design the American flag, she may or may not have sewn the first US flag for the early federal government. This is the house where she lived and where you can see her sewing machine and other tools. The US Mint in Old City is the world's largest. The National Museum of American Jewish History and Afro-American Historical & Cultural Museum contain some of the best collections in the country detailing the role of Jews and African Americans in American history. Congregation Mikveh Israel was founded in 1740 in Old City and is the second oldest congregation in the US. It's one of only four synagogues in the world that uses the Sephardic Rite. Old City is the far mideastern section of Philadelphia along the Delaware River and confined within Walnut and Vine Sts and Front and 6th Sts. South Philadelphia South Philadelphia has been settled by succeeding waves of immigrants: from the Dutch and Swedish settlers of the 17th century, through the Jewish and Italian arrivals in the 19th and early 20th centuries, to the black, Hispanic and Asian settlers of more recent years. The Italian Market is the main attraction and, though still largely Italian, vendors and customers reflect the city's ethnic diversity. If that's not enough, take a peek at the Mario Lanza Museum. Lanza was born Freddie Cocozza in South Philly, where the crooning singer and actor first studied his craft. Another fine cultural experience is to be had at the Mummers' Museum. Philadelphia's yearly Mummers Parade on New Year's Day sees 30,000 men strut their way around town in sequins, feathers, makeup and risqu? get-ups. Exhibits at the museum include some of the extravagant costumes and photos and videos of the parades. The museum also features a digital clock that counts down the days to New Year's Day. Getting There & Away : Philadelphia's airport, located just 5 miles (8km) southwest of the city, is served by direct flights from Europe, the Caribbean and Canada, with connections to Asia, Africa, South America as well as over 100 destinations in the US. Buses travel to Philadelphia from New York City, Newark, Atlantic City, Washington DC and even San Francisco (an excruciating 27-hour ride). If you prefer to take a train, Philadelphia is on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor route which runs between Richmond, Virginia, and Boston, Massachusetts, via Washington DC and New York City. There are also trains west to Lancaster, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Chicago and south to Florida. NJ Transit has a frequent rail service between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Several highways lead through and around Philadelphia, making it easy to come and go by car. From the north and south, the Delaware Expressway (I-95) follows the eastern edge of the city beside the Delaware River, while the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) runs east across the north of the city and over the river to connect with the New Jersey Turnpike. Ferries operate on the Delaware River between Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. Getting Around Philadelphia International Airport is 5 miles (8km) southwest of the city center. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation System SEPTA runs rail lines from the airport into the city every 30 minutes. Shuttle buses, limousines and taxis also operate between the airport and the city. There are rental car agencies at the airport and in town, but driving isn't recommended in central Philadelphia; parking is difficult and regulations strictly enforced. Most downtown distances are short enough to walk. SEPTA provides comprehensive transportation service in the city and suburbs, both on rail and bus systems. A trolley bus is a good way to visit many of the sights. Three subway lines travel under the city. |
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