Exploring Independence Park in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - Explore Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and get a feel for the American Revolution.  It is a federally protected historic district that preserves important sites associated with our nation's founding history. While you are exploring Independence Park, you might want to do some historical research on your own. Here are some tips to help you plan a visit to the historic district. Enjoy your trip! And don't forget to take pictures! Listed below are some of the most fascinating sites in Philadelphia.


Visit Independence Hall. Once the Governor's office, Independence Hall was also used as a prison for American POWs during the Revolutionary War. Look for the plaque commemorating the American POWs held in the upper floor during the war. The hallway in Independence Hall has many ornate wood carvings. Samuel Harding designed the majority of the woodwork. As you tour the hall, remember to take in the grand staircase that leads to the second floor.

Explore the park's historic sites. Visit Independence Hall, where the Liberty Bell was once pealed. The bell now hangs in a dedicated pavilion. The American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin, is located nearby. To the east, you can see Old City Hall, the home of the US Supreme Court until 1836. The Second Bank of the US is located on the same block. Other monuments in the park commemorate lesser roles of important figures in our nation's history.