Things to do / Travel Guide
Arguably more than any other U.S. city, Philadelphia represents the early history of the United States. Many of Philadelphia's historical sites are located in the Historic Area, a 17-block area where you can walk from one attraction to the next with ease. Philadelphia has the country's highest concentration of historic sites (1,379), one of the largest urban refuges (Fairmount Park) and more than 150 museums, so there's a lot to see if you're on foot.
Outside of Philadelphia, Valley Forge and The Brandywine Valley are sites of significant historic interest. Valley Forge, is the site of the lengthy encampment of George Washington's Continental Army. It was here that then-General Washington braved the elements with his troops for about half a year from 1777-1778. Often mistaken as a site of a Revolutionary War battle, the main things Washington's group overcame here were bad weather and low morale.
Independence National Historical Park
This area features over a dozen historical sites to walk around, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Each evening, from April until the end of October, the area's redbrick streets become the setting for a sound-and-light show portraying events in early U.S. history.
Independence Hall - The Declaration of Independence was adopted in this building, and it was here that the U.S. Constitution was debated, drafted, and signed. Park Rangers will guide you through these small rooms, known as the birthplace of the United States. Additionally, you might recognize the building from the backside of half dollars minted in 1975 and 1976.
The Liberty Bell - Philadelphia's most popular attraction has its own building on Market Street, between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. A symbol of freedom, this bell was rung only once, on July 8th, 1776, to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The National Constitution Center - Located on 525 Arch Street, this center is dedicated to the creation and history of the American Constitution.
Congress Hall - Located at 150 Chestnut Street, this is where the U.S. Congress met when Philadelphia was the U.S. capital, 1790 to 1800.
Elfreth's Alley - A pedestrian street and small museum shows how people lived in the 1700s. Elfreth's Alley, located between Arch Street and Quarry Street, is the oldest continuously-inhabited street in the U.S., around since 1702.
Betsy Ross House - Located at 239 Arch Street, this is the home of the “Mother of the American Flag.” Tradition has it that the then-24-year-old flag maker, Betsy Ross, sewed the first U.S. flag, with 13 stars representing the 13 original states.
Carpenter's Hall - Located between Third Street and Fourth Street, this is where the First Continental Congress met and where Benjamin Franklin represented Pennsylvania in 1775.
Franklin Court - Located on Market Street, this is the site of Benjamin Franklin's home and a small museum displaying some of the inventions created by this great American.
The Printing Office and Bindery - Located in Franklin Court, this is where you can see demonstrations of 18th-century printing and binding equipment. Printing demonstrations are given by Park Services Rangers.
Historic Sites in Brandywine Valley
The Brandywine Valley, located about 35 miles north of Philadelphia, is nicknamed “Chateau Valley” because of the large houses build by local luminaries the DuPont family, such as Nemours Mansion, a 300-acre estate built by Alfred DuPont, the family's patriarch. The other “humble home” is the Winterthur House, a gigantic, eight-story mansion filled with precious art and ornate antique furniture.
Another historic site that is popular to visit in the Brandywine Valley is the Brandywine Battlefield. The Brandywine Battlefield is where, in 1777, George Washington fought British forces for control of territory north of Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War.
Reading
A great place to learn about American pioneer and settler Daniel Boone and get a living history lesson about one of the most famous frontiersman in U.S. history is the Daniel Boone Homestead. Boone was born in Reading to a prominent Quaker family. The homestead is also a conservation site and wildlife preserve.
Historical Sites in Philadelphia, Lancaster, the Poconos, Eastern Pennsylvania
Historical-Sites
Eckley Miner's Village - Weatherly, Pennsylvania
Deshler Morris House - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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