Independence Hall Reviews (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Where the Sun Rose on American Independence

Manchester, United Kingdom

November 13, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is one of the most important buildings in the history of the United States of America. The nation was shaped by the conversations that went on within its doors between men like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin ...Read more Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is one of the most important buildings in the history of the United States of America. The nation was shaped by the conversations that went on within its doors between men like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Without those conversations there may not even have been a nation to shape…

The Pennsylvania State House – as it was known at the time – was the setting for the meetings of the Second Continental Congress. The Congress was a selection of representatives from the separate colonies of British North America who were opposed to the calibre of rule they were subject to from London. Various British administrations struggled to wring any kind of profit out of their American involvement, and their stop-gap ‘solutions’ were inevitably handed down without any consultation with the colonists themselves. The Continental Congresses were meetings of influential colonial landowners, merchants and lawyers to devise their response to increasingly ham-fisted attempts to govern from afar. Blood had already been spilt in Massachusetts by the time the Second Congress convened in May 1775. In June the delegates approved that a Continental Army be formed under the command of George Washington to co-ordinate defence against the British forces that were arriving to quash the rebellion. And the following year the delegates in this building took the final, logical step – they approved a resolution to break ties with London. On 4th July 1776 Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

An independent America came into being – but not in the way we know it today. The early years of independence saw only a loose confederation of states with little or no central control. And so in 1786 another group of men met in the exact same Assembly Hall as the Constitutional Convention. The American constitution they produced, while occasionally amended, holds true today with a President, bicameral legislature, Supreme Court and a new capital. As a marker of the importance of the meetings that took place in this building it was renamed ‘Independence Hall’, and it now forms the heart of the Independence National Historical Park.

Independence Hall sits on Chestnut Street and is a quite lovely-looking Georgian building. The red brickwork and white-painted woodwork create a harmoniously simple effect. The main building is joined by arched to two separate wings (one, Old City Hall, was home to the Supreme Court; the other, Congress Hall, to Congress) and is itself topped by a clock tower that was formerly home to the Liberty Bell. The public are free to wander down Chestnut Street and across the grassy Independence Mall in front of the building at any time and it does look particularly attractive when spot-lit at night. Photographers need to take care however as the city authorities have allowed the construction of some distinctly out-of-keeping skyscrapers behind it which have a tendency to ruin shots. Between March and December entry to the complex of the buildings is strictly regulated by timed tickets however. Not an issue – tickets are free. You can pick them up at the Independence Visitor Centre across the Mall at 6th and Market Streets. These will give you a time slot for entry to the complex (beneath the colonnade to the left of the Hall – expect to have your bag searched). Only a certain number of tickets for each slot are given out. We pitched up at the Visitor Centre and got tickets for XX with no trouble. Tickets can also be booked in advance for a $1.50 booking fee at www.recreation.gov.

The ticket entitles visitors to a National Park Ranger-led tour of the interior of Independence Hall at the time stated. I’ve commented before that I’m a little in awe of the Rangers and I would really recommend the tour to provide some context about why the Hall is so important to American history. The guide’s commentary was pitched at a level suitable for children - and also foreigners for whom phrases like ‘Second Continental Congress’ and ‘Articles of Confederation’ and names like John Adams and Alexander Hamilton are not instantly recognisable. Rather endearingly, whenever his patter led him on to being in anyway critical of the British authorities I noticed that he gave a small concerned glance at Rebecca and I as if he was worried he might have offended us. Don’t worry about it – we’re over it.

The tour starts with a bit of historical scene-setting before proceeding into the court room. The highlight is the Assembly Room where both independence and the constitution were debated. The desks are covered with moss-green cloths and scattered with props – paper and pens, reference books, spectacles and clay pipes. The impression given is that the delegates have just nipped out for dinner. It’s a nice touch and provides a human element. At the far end sits the raised desk used by the president of the sessions (the chair has, as Benjamin Franklin commented after the Constitutional Convention, a rising sun painted on its back). Unfortunately the tour does not go upstairs, but it is a good and informative thirty minutes. Afterwards visitors are free to stay around the complex for as long as they like.
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From journal Philadelphia - the Birth of a Nation

Where USA history first started

by alanmack37

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

October 13, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo There are free guided tours of the Independence Hall which you have to pick up from the Visitors centre an hour in advance. What is good is that the tickets are free, but you can also book online to reserve at www.recreation.gov, or the visitors ...Read more There are free guided tours of the Independence Hall which you have to pick up from the Visitors centre an hour in advance. What is good is that the tickets are free, but you can also book online to reserve at www.recreation.gov, or the visitors centre own website. There is a $1.50 charge, but when you see the long line of people waiting you will be glad that you reserved them as you dont have to wait around. Luckily i did this tour with a city dweller friend from Philadelphia, who was able to tell me to do this in advance.

I found it amazing, taking photos, walking around and taking photos of the grounds and the Liberty Bell. Also to see Benjamin Franklins gravestone. There is so much to do within a very compact area. The area is steeped with american history. I have a particular interest in American Civil War history so it was totally interesting, and at times poignant, when you get to hear the stories of casualties and deaths in the war. The area has a rather religious and emotion provoking era. As its in the city centre there will be no problem trying to find this area, with the 30th street station nearby, and here is a tip for those travelling by car, if you find a parking meter please get your ticket immediately and come back within a 3 hour period. The area is crawling with traffic wardens or the american equivalent and i saw peoples cars getting fine tickets.

We were guided through the tour by a great ranger who was very informative, talking of civil war deaths, the history and the importance of the hall to all american citizens. you will pass into a secured area eventually, which is only to be expected of buildings of this importance and when you do make sure to check out the Great Essentials exhibit in the West Wing where they have pages from the Declaration of Independence and a draft of Constitution that has George Washington hand marked corrections. Also check out Congress Hall, where the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate originally met.

Our tour of Independence Hall was very informative, our guide was great. I felt very fulfilled being able to see where it all began, where the declaration of independence was signed as well as the first congress.

And a camera is essential for the fantastic historic monuments and buildings you will encounter in the area.

Afterwards i made my way to South Street area, just a 5 minute walk away for a cold drink in one of the many outdoor bar seating areas.

One tip, bring good walking shoes, the area all around is cobbled and after a while you really feel it in your feet

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From journal Philadelphia freedom

Stepping Back to the Birthplace of the United States

by stvchin

Tustin, California

July 4, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo Independence Hall is the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. As such, it is one of America’s most important historic landmarks. It’s located in downtown Philadelphia on Chestnut Street ...Read more Independence Hall is the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. As such, it is one of America’s most important historic landmarks. It’s located in downtown Philadelphia on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. Independence Hall is one of the major attractions of Independence National Historic Park, which also includes the Liberty Bell Center.

Tickets are required to visit Independence Hall, but they’re free and available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, just a quick walk north in Independence Park. The tickets are available first come first serve only and only on the day of the visit for specific start times. A well known secret is to arrive at Independence Hall late, as we did, around 4:30 PM, and tickets aren’t required for the last tour of the day. Of course you do risk the possibility of waiting in line for the last tour of the day only to find it full and get turned away.

Independence Hall was completed in 1753, and maintained quite well. In fact, the exterior brickwork is quite gorgeous. Looking straight up, the bell tower of Independence Hall used to house the Liberty Bell, which now resides in the Liberty Bell Center on the other side of Chestnut Street. When we were led inside for the final tours of the day, we could see that the interior was also very well maintained.

Independence Hall’s original purpose was as the meeting hall for the Philadelphia State House, and eventually became the first Capitol building of the newly formed United States. The first stop of our tour took us upstairs to the chambers used for the House Chamber. The park ranger had us sit in the chairs at the council desks. The ranger explained that the furniture was not the original, but recreations, which made us feel a slight bit better. The House Chamber features desks and accompanying chairs arranged in rows and surrounding the front of the room, which features two desks facing towards the back of the room, and an elevated platform with another desk behind them. After the ranger explained the use of the room, she allowed us time to roam around the room and take photos.

After this, we proceeded downstairs to the first floor and to the central hallway. The rangers explained that the large central hallway was sometimes used for banquets and other functions. We went to the west side of the hallway, which contained the courtroom. The courtroom looked similar to a modern courtroom, with judge’s bench to the front, litigants table in the middle, and an area in the back for audiences. There is the traditional caged stand for the accused. After the ranger spoke about the courthouse, she led us across the hallway to the chamber used by the Assembly, which is also where the founding fathers, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams, created the basis for a new nation. Like the courthouse, we could only stand in the rear galley, as the front where the delegates sat and worked, were off limits. It’s very interesting and awe inspiring to know that over 200 years ago, our founding fathers worked on, debated, and negotiated both the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. In an interesting observation, the Assembly Chamber seemed a lot smaller in scale than the images depicted on the hundred dollar bill.

We were finished with the park ranger guided tour, and proceeded on our own to the west wing of Independence Hall, which has original copies of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. The documents were kept sealed in bulletproof glass with a special mix of gases to preserve them. We could take photographs, but no flash was allowed. There were also other displays explaining the significance and history of these documents, as well as some of the supporting documents.

An interesting observation was noted in the courtyard of Independence Hall. There's a statue of Commodore Barry, the father of the United States Navy, centrally located in the courtyard. This seemed like on odd place for the statue, until a park ranger explained that the US Navy was created at Independence Hall. I learned something new today.

All in all, this is a one-of-a-kind experience, to step back in time to a place where our nation was founded. The National Park Service has done a great job of maintaining Independence Hall and making it available to us, as well as helping us realize the significance of this historic monument. Close

From journal Quick Trip to Philly

Independence Hall

by CHIBulldog09

New Haven, Connecticut

November 22, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo Known at the time as the Pennsylvania State House, and now known simply as Independence Hall, the building and surrounding national park in downtown Philadelphia offers a breathtaking and remarkable look back on the founding moments of our nation. ...Read more Known at the time as the Pennsylvania State House, and now known simply as Independence Hall, the building and surrounding national park in downtown Philadelphia offers a breathtaking and remarkable look back on the founding moments of our nation.

It is amazing to consider what actually took place in Independence Hall -- both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated here, with many of our nation's founding fathers voicing their opinions and views that would ultimately lead to the legendary documents. Even the most casual of Americans should take a moment to go through the building -- it can be quick, and its hard to not be impressed.

The building itself is in remarkably good condition. There are several areas in the building, including the seat of the court, the room where the Declaration was debated, and the reception room upstairs. All have been restored with replica furniture by the National Park Service to what it likely looked at during the time period. Next door to Independence Hall itself, but still part of the Independence Hall complex and within the secured area, is the building where the Congress met during the period before Washington, D.C. was completed. In another building in the secured area you will find draft copies (original, but not signed) of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The entire complex is run by the National Park Service. Pictures are allowed, except when around the charter documents. For the three buildings, keep the following in mind:

- For Independence Hall, you need to obtain tickets from the National Park Service's Visitors Center nearby. The tickets are free, but they are for a specific time, so plan ahead. It is highly advisable to go early in the morning, especially during peak tourist season. The tickets are for a tour of Independence Hall run by a Park Ranger -- I found it highly informative and worthwhile. You can't get into Independence Hall without a tour guide.

- The Congress Hall is inside the secured area and only accessible by tour, however the tours, which launch every twenty minutes, do not require tickets. I found it worthwhile, but certainly not as interesting as Independence Hall

- Finally, the building with draft copies of the Charter documents has no tours and no tickets necessary. There are always Park Rangers inside talking about the significance of what you are looking at, but you can enter and leave at any time.

It goes without saying that this is one of the most significant historical sites in Philadelphia, and should not be missed. It is easily accessible from most of the downtown area, and is not hard to find. Very Highly Recommended. Close

From journal 24 Hours in Philadelphia

Independence Hall

by bschwimmer

long beach, New York

January 7, 2007

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A must Do and See when one is in Philadelphia. It was at this Hall our Nation's Independence was founded from Great Britain, the signing of the Declaration of Independence.It was also in this Hall that the framework for our National Government was ...Read more

From journal Weekend Getaway in Philadelphia

Independence Hall

by BabylonExodus

New York, New York

April 9, 2006

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Independence Hall houses the most enduring symbol of Philadelphia and one of our country's most important symbols, the Liberty Bell. This 1½-ton bell rang from the top the hall on July 8th, 1776, to summon Philadelphians to the first public reading ...Read more

From journal Philadelphia Story

Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

by ActSpacey

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

January 23, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo You can’t go to Philadelphia without a visit to the Liberty Bell. I’m not really sure why we’re all so drawn to this bell and all it symbolizes, but even my 8-year-old was impressed by it.Due to the extra security precautions since ...Read more

From journal Veteran's Day Weekend in Philadelphia

Independence Hall

by hottice2nicky

scranton, Pennsylvania

November 10, 2005

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Like I stated above, it is great to see. I loved the furnishing of the older period pieces. The "Rising Sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention is original. It is so exciting to actually see the objects ...Read more

From journal Independence National Historical Park

Independence Hall

by MalervyC

Norristown, Pennsylvania

September 26, 2005

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Unlike the movie National Treasure, you cannot climb on the roof of Independence Hall. You can, however, enjoy the historical and political importance it played in our nation's upbringing. It's true--all those old geezers we call our forefathers ...Read more

From journal Philadelphia - A Home Grown City

Independence Hall

by Owen Lipsett

New York, New York

July 4, 2005

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Best of IgoUgo Both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the United States Constitution (1787) were signed in this attractive Georgian building, constructed between 1732 and 1756 as Pennsylvania's State House. Philadelphia was the intellectual and ...Read more

From journal Philadelphia I: Essential Museums

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