While all the original thirteen American colonies lay claim to historic relevance, the events in Pennsylvania truly laid the foundation for the emerging nation. The heart of the Pennsylvania colony was Old City , one square mile situated along the Delaware River. Visitors here can travel the same cobblestone streets, dine in the same establishments, and find lodging in the same homes as the signatories who crafted the Declaration of Independence and forged the United States Constitution.
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Old City Philadelphia, America's Most Historic Square Mile
Old City Philadelphia, once the nation's capital and home to the Supreme Court, was the meeting place, in Independence Hall, of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1783. From the tower of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell rang out on July 8th 1776, calling all to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was in Independence Hall, where on September 17th 1787, delegates finalized the U.S. Constitution.
All of Old City's historical attractions are within easy walking distance, typical and necessary for colonial transportation – foot –- hence the term, walking city. The benefit to walking the tour is enjoying the many 18th century gardens peppered throughout Old City. Walking tourists can also enjoy the 13 Storytelling Benches where tour guides sit and spin stories of colonial life in Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father
Of course, no accounting of U.S. history is complete without a discussion of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin's contribution to Old City and U.S. history is vast, diverse, and hard to quantify, and Philadelphia abounds with honors for this Founding Father. From Franklin Square to the Ben Franklin Bridge to the Franklin Institute, which sits along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, his presence is large and heartfelt. Visitors can learn of Franklin from viewing his home, his printing shop, and his burial site, all within the walkable confines of Old City.
From Independence Hall to Betsy Ross House
Old City tourists could begin the day touring the majestic sights surrounding Independence Hall, where in addition to the grand courtyard and interior tour, visitors can see the original Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Directly across from Independence Square sits the original chime of freedom, the Liberty Bell, where visitors learn of the Bell's history and importance to the nation. Walking northwest brings Philadelphia sightseers to Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence.
Along the route from Declaration House to the Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia tourists come upon many historical side trips, including Christ Church and the new National Constitution Center, dedicated to the study of the U.S. Constitution. Another historical gem is Elfreth's Alley, which dates to 1702 and is America's oldest residential street of private homes. Many of the Elfreth's Alley homes are open to the public and provide tourists with a remarkable experience of home life in colonial Old City Philadelphia.
The house at 239 Arch St., the Betsy Ross House, is where the first "Stars and Stripes" was thought to have been woven at the behest of the flag committee. The Ross House, circa 1740, is one of Old City's largest and colorful historical attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. As with all prominent historical attractions in Old City, the Ross House has tour guides and offers family oriented programs for all ages.
Old City Dining and Accommodations From the Federal Era
After a tiring but educational day, the history buff can dine at the City Tavern, where Founding Fathers once retired to after grueling constitutional debate, which John Adams referred to as the "most genteel tavern in the country". Old City diners can enjoy rich foods in the 18th century tradition, served by period garbed servers, while listening to sounds of the official tavern harpist. The City Tavern was a prominent meeting place for influential figures throughout the colonial and revolutionary periods.
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In the tradition of the walking city, tourists seeking a cultural immersion can cross the street from City Tavern to enjoy a good night's sleep at the Thomas Bond House. The Bond House is a fine example of Old City Philadelphia's bed and breakfast establishments. Built in 1769, the house offers twelve rooms that vary in style and offerings, including some with working fireplaces. One can only hope the mattresses are modern enough for a comfortable, restful sleep because the Old City walking tour resumes in the morning.
Author Sunil S.
Booking.com
Old City Philadelphia, America's Most Historic Square Mile
Old City Philadelphia, once the nation's capital and home to the Supreme Court, was the meeting place, in Independence Hall, of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1783. From the tower of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell rang out on July 8th 1776, calling all to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was in Independence Hall, where on September 17th 1787, delegates finalized the U.S. Constitution.
All of Old City's historical attractions are within easy walking distance, typical and necessary for colonial transportation – foot –- hence the term, walking city. The benefit to walking the tour is enjoying the many 18th century gardens peppered throughout Old City. Walking tourists can also enjoy the 13 Storytelling Benches where tour guides sit and spin stories of colonial life in Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father
Of course, no accounting of U.S. history is complete without a discussion of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin's contribution to Old City and U.S. history is vast, diverse, and hard to quantify, and Philadelphia abounds with honors for this Founding Father. From Franklin Square to the Ben Franklin Bridge to the Franklin Institute, which sits along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, his presence is large and heartfelt. Visitors can learn of Franklin from viewing his home, his printing shop, and his burial site, all within the walkable confines of Old City.
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From Independence Hall to Betsy Ross House
Old City tourists could begin the day touring the majestic sights surrounding Independence Hall, where in addition to the grand courtyard and interior tour, visitors can see the original Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Directly across from Independence Square sits the original chime of freedom, the Liberty Bell, where visitors learn of the Bell's history and importance to the nation. Walking northwest brings Philadelphia sightseers to Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence.
Along the route from Declaration House to the Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia tourists come upon many historical side trips, including Christ Church and the new National Constitution Center, dedicated to the study of the U.S. Constitution. Another historical gem is Elfreth's Alley, which dates to 1702 and is America's oldest residential street of private homes. Many of the Elfreth's Alley homes are open to the public and provide tourists with a remarkable experience of home life in colonial Old City Philadelphia.
The house at 239 Arch St., the Betsy Ross House, is where the first "Stars and Stripes" was thought to have been woven at the behest of the flag committee. The Ross House, circa 1740, is one of Old City's largest and colorful historical attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. As with all prominent historical attractions in Old City, the Ross House has tour guides and offers family oriented programs for all ages.
Old City Dining and Accommodations From the Federal Era
After a tiring but educational day, the history buff can dine at the City Tavern, where Founding Fathers once retired to after grueling constitutional debate, which John Adams referred to as the "most genteel tavern in the country". Old City diners can enjoy rich foods in the 18th century tradition, served by period garbed servers, while listening to sounds of the official tavern harpist. The City Tavern was a prominent meeting place for influential figures throughout the colonial and revolutionary periods.
Booking.com
In the tradition of the walking city, tourists seeking a cultural immersion can cross the street from City Tavern to enjoy a good night's sleep at the Thomas Bond House. The Bond House is a fine example of Old City Philadelphia's bed and breakfast establishments. Built in 1769, the house offers twelve rooms that vary in style and offerings, including some with working fireplaces. One can only hope the mattresses are modern enough for a comfortable, restful sleep because the Old City walking tour resumes in the morning.
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Author Sunil S.
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