The rich history of Philadelphia is preserved in the historic district and in several noteworthy locations important to the history and founding of the United States of America.
Do you want to see where the US Constitution was adopted or the site that first housed the Supreme Court? What about the hotel where Benjamin Franklin stayed while serving in the Continental Congress? There is no shortage of historical sites and landmarks in Philadelphia that were so important in the early days of the American Revolution.
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If you plan to visit Philadelphia soon, keep reading to learn more about which historical landmarks you absolutely should not miss.
1) The Betsy Ross House
Located on Arch Street, the Betsy Ross House is one of the more underrated Philadelphia historical sites but should not be missed. Legend has it that Mrs. Ross was the creator of the American Flag, and she sewed the first one for General George Washington upon his request.
It is frequently the site of many Flag Day celebrations. This location, the home where she lived and worked as a seamstress, is thought to be the location where the first American Flag was created.
2) Independence Hall
Originally the State House of Philadelphia, Independence Hall is the site of many important historical moments during the American Revolution, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the debate and adoption of the American Constitution.
It was the meeting place of the Continental Congress and one of the few American historic sites registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Philadelphia became recognized as a “World Heritage City” in 2015.
3) Independence National Historical Park
Nicknamed “America’s most historic square mile“, this stretch of land in Philadelphia’s historic district encompasses several important points of interest involving the American Revolution.
Some sites include Independence Hall, the Declaration House, the Liberty Bell, the First Bank of the United States, and City Tavern, the site of many plans and debates among the Founding Fathers.
4) Old City Hall
Part of the Independence National Historical Park complex, it was originally built as Philadelphia’s City Hall but was repurposed as the site of the first US Supreme Court.
It served this purpose until the federal government and all of its branches moved to Washington, D.C. It is now part of the National Park Service.
5) The Liberty Bell
This famed bell with a crack in one side once stood in the steeple of the State House, also known as Independence Hall. It is one of the most recognizable images of historic Philadelphia and the American Revolution itself.
Although believed to have been rung in response to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, historians disagree on when the famous crack formed, though the bell was removed from the steeple at that time and placed across the street in its own area of Independence Park.
6) Benjamin Franklin Museum
This institution celebrates the life of America’s most prolific Founding Father. As a writer, activist, inventor, and statesman, Franklin represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and later as an ambassador to Europe for the fledgling America.
Learn more about his early years working for his brother’s newspaper in Philadelphia, where he began ghostwriting the famous Silence Dogood letters. This museum celebrates Franklin’s life and achievements with detailed exhibits on Franklin’s legacy.
7) Museum Of The American Revolution
Anyone looking to visit Philadelphia and take in the history of the founding of America should not miss this destination! Visiting the historical sites themselves certainly gives a sense of history, but this museum presents the history of America and the evolution of the colonies into a single country in wonderfully descriptive exhibits.
Some of these exhibits include the field tent used by General George Washington, muskets, and other weapons from the era, documents, and letters written by famous men of the time, as well as artifacts from British and French forces.
Come Tour With Us
We believe that learning history should be fun and even funny, and always enjoyable. Our tours give visitors a chance to do some sightseeing around the city, even seeing historic locations from a BYOB trolley!
We love sharing with our clients all of the things we love about Philadelphia, while also throwing in a comedic anecdote or two. Our tours feature music, stand-up comedy, history lessons, and designated drivers, sure to be delightful for anyone wanting to experience Philadelphia in a new way!
We offer walking tours and trolley tours daily. Book your next entertaining history lesson in the city that birthed the United States of America!
