Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. It is known primarily for three things: The building itself, which was the meeting place of both the United States Congress and the Second Continental Congress; The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted there; And it’s where George Washington famously took the oath of office to become the first President of the United States.
The building itself was designed by Scottish-born architect James Diamond, who modeled it after Dublin’s General Post Office. Construction began in 1732 and finished in 1753; It consists of a central block with bell towers on each side. Inside, there are many notable features, including the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted, and the Second Floor Balcony, from which Washington delivered his inaugural address.
The Liberty Bell is also on display in Independence Hall. The bell was commissioned in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn’s Charter of Privileges; it originally had the word “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof” written on it, but this deteriorated over time and had to be replaced.
The very first Memorial Day observance was held in front of Independence Hall on May 30th 1868 by William Pierce, honoring the fallen from the Civil War.
Independence Hall is a popular tourist attraction, and a common first stop for those visiting Philadelphia, PA. It is visited by over 5 million people each year.
The building was completed in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House, and served as and the location where George Washington was sworn in as President. It is now part of the Independence National Historical Park.
The Assembly Room is where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted on July 4, 1776. The room is also decorated with paintings by John Trumbull, including the famous “Declaration of Independence” painting.
The Second Floor Balcony is where George Washington gave his inaugural address as President on April 30, 1789.
The Liberty Bell, which was originally “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof”, is now on display at the Liberty Bell Center.
Independence National Historical Park (INHP) is the United States’ first national historical park. Its main location is Independence Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The park was established on November 15, 1965, as part of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. It is operated by the National Park Service (NPS).
The park commemorates the events leading up to and including the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States of America.