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Independence Hall is one of the most historic buildings in the United States of America. It is the building where the American Declaration of Independence (July 4th 1776) and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted (September 17, 1787). The building was completed in 1753 as served as the Pennsylvania State House.
The body of President Abraham Lincoln was held in State in the assembly room of the Independence Hall on April 22, 1865.
In 1915, President William Taft made an announcement in this building regarding the formation of the “League to Enforce Peace”. This eventually led to the formation of the United Nations.
Where is Independence Hall located?
Independence Hall is located at the intersection of 6th Street and Chestnut Street. This area is part of the Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia. Center City was the City of Philadelphia until 1854. In 1854, the Pennsylvania assembly passed the Act of Consolidation and extended the boundary of the City of Philadelphia to what it is today (the boundary of the City matches with that of the County of Philadelphia).
Within Center City, Independence Hall is very close to “Old City Philadelphia”. It is a historic district and is home to the oldest continually inhabited street in the United States. This street is known as Elfreth’s Alley. Elfreth’s Alley dates back to 1703.
Independence Hall is part of the “Independence Mall”. In addition to the Independence Hall, Independence Mall also includes the building where the Liberty Bell is located, the Independence Visitor Center, National Constitution Center and Museum of the American Revolution. They are all part of the Independence National Historical Park.
How to travel to Independence Hall?
Car: The Independence Hall is located on Chestnut Street. However, Market Street that runs parallel to Chestnut is the street that I would use. Market street is wider and runs in both directions (Chestnut Street is one-way). It is also easier to find parking on Market street (street parking and parking lots). It is also easy to get to Independence Mall from both I-95 and I-676 (exits are only a few blocks away).
Train: There are three major train stations in Philadelphia. 30th Street Station, Suburban Station and Jefferson Station. You can take SEPTA Regional rail and reach Independence Hall easily. You have to get off at Jefferson Station (Jefferson Station is 11th and Market. Independence Hall Visitor Center is at the intersection of 5th and Market.
Subway: You have to take the Market-Frankford line. There are two subway stops that are basically next to the Mall. The 5th Street Independence Hall Station and the 8th & Market Street Station.
PATCO: PATCO is a subway line from New Jersey to the City of Philadelphia. PATCO has a stop near Washington Square (9-10th and Locust). This stop is very close to Independence Hall as well.
Bus: There are several SEPTA bus stops near on the Mall. SEPTA bus route 57 has a stop right next to the Hall. The Greyhound Bus Station is located at 10th and Filbert. This bus station is the main bus station of the City of Philadelphia. There are buses to most parts of the country from this station including New York City and Washington DC.
Where should I park?
The Autopark at Independence Mall is the best option. This is an underground parking garage that is actually under the Independence Visitor Center. You can directly access the lot from the Visitor Center. This is a parking lot that belongs to the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
There is another big parking lot at the corner of 8th and Market Street (SP+ Parking). This is an open parking lot. There is also a parking garage (Park America) right next to Independence Hall (Right before 6th and Chestnut). Some of these parking lots can get expensive.
Touring Independence Hall. Where to get the tickets?
You have to pickup the free tickets from the Independence Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has a ticket counter. You can call or order online and pick up your tickets here as well. There is a separate line for those who pre-ordered. The Visitor Center is at the corner of 6th Street and Market Street. The Visitor Center also has a cafe, small food court, restrooms and a gift shop. The Visitor Center has access to the underground parking lot.
Once you pick up your tickets, you have to head towards the Independence Hall. On your way you will pass the the Liberty Bell. The line to get inside Independence Hall begins at the corner of Chestnut and 5th Street (your left as you are approaching the building from the Visitor Center). There will be a security check first. Then the line will wind towards the back of the building. You will actually enter the building through the back and exit through the front door. This whole process can take 10 minutes or over an hour depending on the number of visitors.
In most cases you are allowed to visit the first floor of the building only. Visiting the second floor is only allowed during rare occasions. You have to follow the instructions of your Park Ranger and you are not allowed to wander around on your own.
The two important rooms that you will see on the first floor are the Assembly Room and the Courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. These two rooms are on the opposite sides of the building and are separated by a hall.
Assembly Room: The birthplace of American Democracy. This is the room where the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution of the United States (1787) were signed. Almost a hundred years later, Abraham Lincoln visited this room and after his assassination, his body lay in state in this room for two days.
Courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court met in this room during the 1700’s. Many judges and associate judges who served in this court were also signatories to the Declaration of Independence.
Things to do near Independence Hall.
- Tour Independence Hall: Many of you will be surprised to know that very few people who live in Philadelphia have actually gone inside Independence Hall. Many visitors only see the building from the outside. I love the interior of the building.
- Independence Square: The Independence Square is right behind Independence Hall. This square is open 24/7. It is here where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to the public in 1776. The line to enter Independence Hall will wind though Independence Square.
- Liberty Bell: The Liberty Bell is one of the most important symbols of American Independence. You will find the image of the bell everywhere in Philadelphia. The bell was commissioned in 1752 and was rung on July 8th, 1776 to mark the reading of the Constitution of the United States. The bell is owned by the City of Philadelphia.
- Washington Square: The City of Philadelphia was founded by William Penn. He published an engraving of the plan for the city in 1683. There were five squares that were part of his plan. Washington Square is one of them. Washington Square is right next to Independence Hall. Rittenhouse Square is another one. It is a beautiful square with a lot of historic buildings all around it.
- Graff House: Graff House, also known as Declaration House is located at the corner of 7th Street and Market Street. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in this house in 1776. In 1776 this house was at the outskirts of Philadelphia and was surrounded by fields and horses!!
- City Tavern: When Jefferson was writing the Declaration of Independence at the Graff House, he had an account at the City Tavern!. These days all you need is a credit card! Established in 1773, City Tavern is at the corner of 2nd Street and Walnut. It is a 10 minute walk from Independence Hall. Many of our founding fathers frequented this tavern. George Washington met Marquis de Lafayette for the first time at this tavern. The first 4th of July celebrations took place at this tavern as well. Good place to grab a drink.
- Independence Beer Garden: Philadelphia is known for its beer gardens. During Summer and Fall a beer garden will pop up on 6th Street (between the Independence Visitor Center and Independence Hall). It is known as the “Independence Beer Garden”. The beer garden is a nice relaxing place to hangout. IBG has nice appetizers, salads and of course beer!
Independence Hall should be on your list of places to visit when you are in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the American Constitution are important events in the checkered history of the United States of America.
“Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America”.— Thomas Jefferson (November 29, 1775).
Have you visited the Independence Hall?
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