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Home , Congress Hall, Edmund Woolley, Independence Hall, Mikveh Israel Cemetery, Philosophical Hall, Robert Edge Pine

INDEPENDENCE

National Historical Park Hall was begun in the spring of 1732, when from this third casting is the one you see In May 1775, the Second Continental Con­ The Constitutional Convention, 1787 where National Memorial now ground was broken. today.) gress met in the Pennsylvania State House stands. Then, in 1790, it came to Philadel­ , master carpenter, and As the official of the Pennsylvania () and decided to move The Articles of Confederation and Perpet­ phia for 10 years. Congress sat in the new INDEPENDENCE ual Union were drafted while the war was in , lawyer, planned the State House, the was intended to from protest to resistance. Warfare between County Court House (now known as Con­ building and supervised its construction. It be rung on public occasions. During the the colonists and British troops already had progress. They were agreed to by the last of gress Hall) and the Supreme NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK was designed in the dignity of the Georgian Revolution, when the occupied begun in . In June the Con­ the Thirteen States and went into effect in Court in the new City Hall. In Congress period. Independence Hall, with its wings, in 1777, the bell was removed gress chose to be Gen­ the final year of the war. Under the Arti­ Hall, George Washington was inaugurated has long been considered one of the most to Allentown, where it was hidden for almost eral and Commander in Chief of the Army, cles, the Congress met in various towns, only for his second term as President. John United States Department of the Interior beautiful public buildings of the colonial a year. It was returned to Philadelphia after and he gave his acceptance in Independence about half the time in Philadelphia. But Adams, his successor, was also inaugurated Stewart L. Udall, Secretary period. Its construction required more than the departure of the British. Hall. While Washington organized the Philadelphia remained the chief city of the here. Meanwhile, several important cases 25 years, delays preventing its completion It is the tradition that the bell was cracked army, the Congress organized the Revolu­ United States. Here in Independence Hall, were presented to the Supreme Court for , Conrad L. Wirth, Director until the 1750's. in 1835 while being tolled on the death of tionary government. On July 4, 1776, the in the summer of 1787, the Federal Conven­ decision. During this period, therefore, the Chief Justice John Marshall, the great inter­ Declaration of Independence was adopted by tion sat to draft the Constitution. It was to governments of the Commonwealth and the Scene of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the meeting The Liberty Bell preter of the Federal Constitution. Efforts the Congress in Independence Hall. This make the weak Confederation into a strong Nation were both located in the Independ­ Federal State. Washington, the hero of the ence Hall group of buildings. With the close place of the and of the Constitutional Convention of It was not until January 1750 that the as­ to restore the bell's tone were unsuccessful. document was largely written by Thomas 1787, and the seat of Government of the United States from 1790 to 1800 new nation, was President of the Convention. of the century, however, both capitals were sembly authorized the erection of the tower The Liberty Bell is now located in Inde­ Jefferson. Perhaps the finest statement of . The other 54 delegates included Benjamin taken from Philadelphia. In 1799, the State on the south side of Independence Hall. It pendence Hall. Its traditional association democratic principles and rights ever penned, Franklin, , Alexander Hamil­ government was moved to Lancaster and later was "to contain a staircase, with a suitable with the leading events of the Revolution the Declaration stands today as the basis of Independence Hall into a Mall. When com­ "THE UNITED STATES was created in United States. Nor is that all. On account ton, and men of like caliber. The Conven­ to Harrisburg. In the following year the place therein for hanging a bell." In 1751, has made the Liberty Bell the most vener­ the free government of the United States. pleted, it will greatly enhance the entire Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, when the Con­ of the Declaration of Independence, it is a tion opened on May 25 and labored 4 Federal Government left Philadelphia for the bell for the State House was ordered from ated symbol of patriotism in America, and Following the Declaration of Independ­ the new capital at Washington, D.C. setting of this area. tinental Congress voted the final form of the shrine honored wherever the rights of men months. The meetings, held in the same England. The famous "Proclaim Liberty" its reputation as an emblem of liberty is ence came the long hard years of war. The Declaration of Independence. The United are honored. On account of the Constitution, chamber in which the Declaration of Inde­ inscription was intended as a 50th anniver­ worldwide. British occupied Philadelphia during the The Park States was perpetuated on September 17, it is a shrine cherished wherever the princi­ pendence had been adopted, were conducted Later History sary memorial to William Penn's Charter of winter of 1777-78 while Washington's Army 1787, when the Federal Convention com­ ples of self-government on a federal scale are The Declaration of Independence in the strictest secrecy. No other room in Independence National Historical Park Privileges of 1701. The bell received its kept watch at . After the de­ With Philadelphia no longer the capital pleted its work on the Constitution and re­ cherished."—CARL VAN DOREN. As opposition toward England's colonial America has ever been the scene of such was authorized by in 1948 present name from this inscription. parture of the British, Phiadelphia again be­ either of the United States or of Pennsyl­ ferred it, through Congress, to the individual policy developed, Philadelphia, the principal political courage and wisdom. Out of the upon the recommendation of the Philadelphia came the seat of government. On November vania, Congress Hall was again used as the The Building of Independence Hall The bell arrived in Philadelphia in 1752, city of the English colonies in America, Convention came the Constitution of the National Shrines Park Commission. The States for ratification. Both these great de­ 3, 1781, the Congress officially received the County Court House. but was cracked while being tested. John naturally became the center of government. cisions were made in the same chamber in Independence Hall was originally the State United States. With amendments, it has In 1802, Independence Hall entered into purpose of this act was to provide for the Pass and Charles Stow, Jr., "two ingenious In Carpenters' Hall, near Independence news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis what is now called Independence Hall, but House for the . Be­ continued as the law of the land. a new phase of its history. Charles Willson Federal Government's part in the preserva­ workmen" of Philadelphia, recast the bell. Square, the First Continental Congress met at Yorktown, Va., and was presented with was then the Pennsylvania State House. It fore it was built, the Provincial Assembly had Peale, the eminent artist, was granted per­ tion and commemoration of Independence The tone was not satisfactory, and it was cast in September 1774, to protest Great Britain's the captured colors. American independence would still be merely the old State House if no official place for its meetings, but was com­ mission to use most of the building for a Hall, Carpenters' Hall, Christ Church, and again by Pass and Stow in 1753. (The bell American policies. had been won. Philadelphia, the Capital, independence had not been achieved and if pelled "to hire a house annually." To pro­ 1790-1800 . This famous museum remained surrounding historic sites and buildings in the Constitution had not been ratified and put vide a regular meeting place, funds were set there until Peale's death in 1826. His paint­ Philadelphia. This activity includes coopera­ North front of State House, c. 1776. Engraved by J. Rogers after into effect. The noble building, so venerable aside for the building of a state house in The Congress Voting Independence, 1776. Painting by and Just before Philadelphia became the Fed­ ings, purchased by the City of Philadelphia, tive agreements with three groups, which own Peale's Painting. Courtesy of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Edward Savage. Courtesy of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. to later ages, might not even have survived, 1729. The next year the committee of the eral Capital, Independence Hall acquired form the basis for the park's present por­ major structures, and the acquisition and in­ two new neighbors of destiny. These were but might have been swept away in the surg­ assembly, having selected the south side of trait collection of heroes. terpretation of additional significant sites and the City Hall on the east and the County ing growth of a modern city. In that case, a Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth In 1818, the City of Philadelphia bought buildings east of Independence Square. The Court Building on the west. About the same few students of history would sometimes re­ Streets as a site, began to purchase the neces­ Independence Hall from the Commonwealth entire undertaking is guided by an advisory time, the American Philosophical Society, the member the site as the stage of those lost sary land. By 1769, the assembly secured all of Pennsylvania. This was a financial and commission of distinguished citizens. oldest learned society in the United States, spiritual investment unequaled in the his­ causes. Instead, Pennsylvania's State House the property (Independence Square) south was granted a lot in the Square. Its build­ tory of American cities. Since then, Phila­ has become Independence Hall for the entire to Walnut Street. However, Independence Guide to Interesting Points ing, , was completed in delphia has protected it, performing an in­ 1789. The only privately owned building estimable service in preserving the Inde­ Many historic sites in and near Inde­ The National Park System, of which this park is a unit, is dedicated to conserving the in the Square, its architectural design har­ pendence Hall group for posterity. In pendence National Historical Park are within scenic, scientific, and historic heritage of the United States for the bene ft and inspiration monizes with the other structures. recent years, the Commonwealth of Pennsyl­ easy walking distance. You will be able to of its people. The Federal Government under the new vania has undertaken a notable project to locate them easily by the corresponding num­ Constitution first met in City develop the three blocks directly north of bers on the map at the back of this folder. 1. Independence Square. Here, on July 7. The First Bank of the United States wife are also in the cemetery. The preserva­ here the first three conferences of American 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is on South Third Street, between Walnut tion of the church is assured by a cooperative Methodism were held in 1773, 1774, and was first read to the citizens of Philadelphia. and Chestnut Streets. Erected in 1795, it is agreement between the Corporation of Christ 1775; and in this church, the first Negro 2. Philosophical Hall. This building, probably the oldest bank building in the Church and the Department of the Interior. Methodist minister in America was ordained INDEPENDENCE erected between 1785 and 1789, houses the United States. 13. St. Joseph's Church is on the south in 1799. American Philosophical Society. Founded 8. The Philadelphia Exchange is on the side of Walnut between Third and Fourth , at Spruce and in 1743 by , the society is corner of Third and Walnut Streets. De­ Streets. From 1733 to 1763, St. Joseph's Ninth Streets, was established in 1738, and the oldest of its kind in America. The build­ signed by William Strickland and built be­ was the only Roman Catholic Church in is the city's oldest Jewish burial ground. In­ ing is not open to the public. tween 1832 and 1834, the building is note­ Philadelphia, and it is possibly the only terred here is , a patriot and 3. Library Hall, a reconstruction, is on worthy for the beauty of its architecture. For one in the area of the Thirteen Original financier of the . Fifth Street, opposite Independence Square. many years, it housed the Philadelphia Stock Colonies where Mass has been celebrated Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church Na­ Originally erected in 1789-90 as the home Exchange. without interruption for more than 200 tional Historic Site. This reminder of for the Library Company of Philadelphia, it 9. The Bishop White House is at 309 years. The first St. Joseph's Church was early Swedish settlement is nearby and is well houses the American Philosophical Society Walnut Street, between Third and Fourth replaced in 1757 by a larger structure, which worth a visit. Built in 1700, Gloria Dei is library. Streets. It was the home of the Right Rev­ was used until 1838 when the present church the oldest church in Philadelphia. It is on 4. The Second Bank of the United States erend William White, "The Father of the was begun. Swanson Street, 8 blocks south of Chestnut. is on Chestnut Street, between Fifth and American Protestant Episcopal Church." 14. St. Mary's Church is on South Fourth Fourth Streets. A splendid example of Erected in 1786—87, the building is an excel­ Street, between Locust and Spruce Streets. About Your Visit Greek Revival architecture, it was built be­ lent example of an early Philadelphia row Established in 1763, it was the principal tween 1819 and 1824. The Second Bank of You may obtain further information about Catholic Church in Philadelphia during the the United States played an important part house. this park and other areas of the National Revolutionary period. The church graveyard in establishing the young nation on a sound 10. The Dilworth-Todd-Moylan House, Park System at the information center in the contains the tombs of , financial basis. However, when it became on the corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets, west wing of Independence Hall. Groups involved in a bitter controversy between Pres­ was erected in 1776 by Jonathan Dilworth. a signer of the Constitution of the United may receive special service if advance arrange­ ident Andrew Jackson and the Whigs over It was purchased in 1791, by John Todd, Jr., States, and Commodore John Barry, often ments are made with the superintendent. national banking policies, its charter was the first husband of Dolley Payne, who called "The Father of the American Navy." allowed to expire in 1836. From 1845 to later married President James Madison. Three other sites in the park do not show Administration 1934, it was the Philadelphia Custom House. From 1796 to 1807, it was the home of Gen. on the map: The building is open to the public. Stephen Moylan, a member of Gen. George The Deshler-Morris House is at 5442 Since January 1, 1951, the Independence Hall group of buildings has been adminis­ 5. New Hall is on Chestnut Street near Washington's staff during the Revolution. Germantown Avenue. Erected in 1772-73, tered as a part of Independence National Fourth Street. Reconstructed to house a mu­ 11. Franklin Court, the site of Benjamin this mansion was the home of President Historical Park. By a cooperative agree­ seum commemorating the early history of the Washington during the summers of 1793 Franklin's home, is located on Orianna Street, ment made in 1950 between the City of Marine Corps, it was originally erected in and 1794. It has been restored and refur­ between Chestnut and Market Streets. Philadelphia and the Department of the In­ 1791 by the Carpenters' Company of Phila­ nished, and is exhibited by the Germantown Franklin's house was built on this site in terior, the National Park Service administers delphia as a new meeting hall. Here, in Historical Society, in cooperation with the 1765, and here the great statesman and sage the buildings and Independence Square, with 1791-92, was the office of the War Depart­ National Park Service. The house is open died in 1790. Twenty years later the house the city retaining ownership of the property. ment. was razed. daily, except Monday, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A superintendent, whose address is Old Cus­ 6. Carpenters' Hall is on Chestnut Street, 12. Christ Church is on Second Street, A nominal admission fee is charged. tom House, 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia between Fourth and Orianna Streets. It was between Market and Filbert Streets. Built St. George's Church, 235 North Fourth 6, Pa., is in immediate charge. built in 1770 for use as a guild hall by the Street, is the oldest Methodist Church now Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia. Here, between 1727 and 1754, it is one of the finest colonial churches in America. Many nota­ standing in America. Except for the winter in 1774, the First Continental Congress met of 1777-78, when it was occupied by the to determine what measures the Colonies bles of the Revolutionary Period attended British, the building has been in continuous Mission 66 is a 10-year program to de­ should take to resist oppressive British colo­ services here, and seven signers of the Decla­ use as a Methodist Church since 1769. Here, velop and staff the areas of the National Park nial policies. The building is open to the ration of Independence are buried either in A 68-page historical handbook relating to Independence National Historical Park may in 1771, Francis Asbury—the English mis­ System so that they may be safely used and public under a cooperative agreement be­ the churchyard or in the Christ Church ceme­ be purchased at the area or from the Superintendent of Documents. Washington 25, sionary who spread Methodism in America— enjoyed by this generation while being pre­ tween the Carpenters' Company and the De­ tery at the corner of Fifth and Arch Streets. D.C., for 25 cents. preached his first sermon in this country; served in full measure for future generations. partment of the Interior. The graves of Benjamin Franklin and his Cover: Independence Hall National Historical Park Pennsylvania

REVISED 1961 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1961—0-588598