The Independence National Historical Park is a federally protected historic district in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that preserves several sites related to the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Managed by the National Park Service, the park encompasses an area of 55 acres (22 hectares) and is considered "America’s most historic square mile" due to the large number of historical landmarks in Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods.
The main attraction of the park is Independence Hall, where in the late 18th century the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, forming the foundation for American nationhood. It was here that the Second Continental Congress convened from 1775 to 1783, as well as the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787. Adjacent to Independence Hall are Carpenter’s Hall, where the First Continental Congress took place in 1774, and Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress met until the capital was moved to Washington in 1800.
Opposite Independence Hall is the Liberty Bell Center — a symbol of American independence. Among other important buildings in the park are the First Bank of the United States, the first federal bank, and the Second Bank of the United States, which became a center of conflict between President Andrew Jackson and banking interests. The park also features a reconstructed city tavern, a popular meeting place for delegates, and, as John Adams believed, the best tavern in all of America.
Most of the historic buildings in the park are situated between Chestnut, Walnut, 2nd and 6th Streets, surrounded by well-maintained green areas. The park also includes Franklin Court — the site where Benjamin Franklin’s house once stood, and where the Franklin Museum and the U.S. Postal Museum are now located. A few blocks north of Independence Hall, known as Independence Mall, contain the Liberty Bell Center, the National Constitution Center, the Visitor Center, and the former residence of the U.S. President.
The park has played a significant role in the country's history: it was here that important documents were adopted, key meetings took place, and the government structure of the new independent country was created.
Current information:
Address: Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Contacts: +1 (215)-965-2305
Hours:
Sat-Sun 10:00-17:00 (10:00 AM - 05:00 PM)
