Independence
National Historic Park
Independence 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.
