Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Independence Hall is found on Chestnut Street in downtown Philadelphia, adjacent to the Liberty Bell and within walking distance such Philadelphia attractions as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Built in 1753 as the original State House for Pennsylvania, Independence Hall in Philadelphia not only started out as an important historical landmark, but remains one to this day. Philadelphia Independence Hall is also still functional as a major government building within the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia. Independence Hall is also the building seen on the back of the United States $100 bill.

The history of Independence Hall is notable in large part as this is the place where the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4th, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was also read aloud in Independence Square, outside of Independence Hall, to private citizens. The history of Independence Hall also includes the abandonment of Independence Hall in Philadelphia when the British Army occupied the city of Philadelphia and forced the Continental Congress to leave the Philadelphia Independence Hall and the city all together. Once the war had ended and British troops were forced out of the country, the Continental Congress was able to return to Independence Hall. The history of Independence Hall also includes the city of Philadelphia as the seat of the federal government until the year 1800 when Washington D.C. became the seat of government, which it remains to this day.

Over the years, Independence Hall in Philadelphia has gone restorations to maintain the structure and the interior fixtures, and today the Philadelphia Independence Hall looks as great as it did when it was first constructed. Although the building is still used for governing purposes, visitors can tour many of the main rooms in the building as well as view and take pictures of the outside of the building. Independence Hall part of a trio of buildings which in part make up what is known as Independence Square. The two adjacent buildings are the Old City Hall and Congress Hall. Philosophical Hall is also part of Independence Square.

In order to see the interior of Independence Hall, guests will need to take a guided tour (you cannot simply walk through on your own). Tickets and tours are free to the public. It is a good idea to reserve your spot on the walking tour before hand, rather than just showing up; lines can be quite long and uncomfortable during the hot and humid Pennsylvania summers. A free tour leaves every 15 minutes from the front door daily between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Thanks to the close location of Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell and other great downtown Philadelphia historical attractions, it is a popular addition to suggested itineraries for Philadelphia and is an excellent choice for folks looking for inexpensive tours. To pick up a ticket for a walking tour in advance, just make a trip to the front office around 8:30am and get a ticket for later in the day.