Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: Spring 1997 / December 31, 2016
With: School / Dave and Izzy
When I first visited the historic sites in the city of Philadelphia, it was in middle school on a field trip. I didn't have any camera with me, so the trip is pretty vague at this point, and I also probably didn't care too much about what I was seeing (I blame you, Mr. Hughes, and your lack of enthusiasm while teaching seventh grade history).
Since then, I have visited my cousin Pam in Philly several times. However, despite living in the "Old City" where all of these sites lay within a 10-block radius of her apartment, Pam isn't exactly a museum buff, and as such, we've never gone to visit anything.
Nevertheless, I'm going to attempt to write this post as best I can about this group of buildings that fundamentally changed the course of history for the United States. The collection of important homes, government offices, old shops and parks have all been designated as national historic landmarks and make up Independence National Historical Park.
The most important building of this Park is Independence Hall. Built between 1732 and 1753, this place had a lot of important events happen within its walls, including the discussion and approval of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution. The only thing I do remember about my field trip was entering the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. I remember thinking it was pretty big and pretty empty. Or at least, emptier than I expected. I don't know what I expected though, I was only a disinterested 13-year-old and this was my first major historical site ever. I definitely wasn't the best judge.
From the outside, Independence Hall looks pretty much as it did 260 years ago, sitting on the edge of this large park. It actually is amazing to see everything in this square as it was at the birth of our country, minus the cars and skyscrapers encircling it. Actors dressed as Revolutionary soldiers march by and give talks to tourists, adding to the ambience. On our last trip to Philadelphia, we took Izzy for a walk on this green, and she was impressed by all the history around her.
The Bell is now housed in its own building in the park in front of Independence Hall with a huge line to get in. Since dogs clearly aren't allowed inside, we just showed Izzy the Bell through the glass windows.
When: Spring 1997 / December 31, 2016
With: School / Dave and Izzy
When I first visited the historic sites in the city of Philadelphia, it was in middle school on a field trip. I didn't have any camera with me, so the trip is pretty vague at this point, and I also probably didn't care too much about what I was seeing (I blame you, Mr. Hughes, and your lack of enthusiasm while teaching seventh grade history).
Since then, I have visited my cousin Pam in Philly several times. However, despite living in the "Old City" where all of these sites lay within a 10-block radius of her apartment, Pam isn't exactly a museum buff, and as such, we've never gone to visit anything.
Nevertheless, I'm going to attempt to write this post as best I can about this group of buildings that fundamentally changed the course of history for the United States. The collection of important homes, government offices, old shops and parks have all been designated as national historic landmarks and make up Independence National Historical Park.
The most important building of this Park is Independence Hall. Built between 1732 and 1753, this place had a lot of important events happen within its walls, including the discussion and approval of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution. The only thing I do remember about my field trip was entering the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. I remember thinking it was pretty big and pretty empty. Or at least, emptier than I expected. I don't know what I expected though, I was only a disinterested 13-year-old and this was my first major historical site ever. I definitely wasn't the best judge.
From the outside, Independence Hall looks pretty much as it did 260 years ago, sitting on the edge of this large park. It actually is amazing to see everything in this square as it was at the birth of our country, minus the cars and skyscrapers encircling it. Actors dressed as Revolutionary soldiers march by and give talks to tourists, adding to the ambience. On our last trip to Philadelphia, we took Izzy for a walk on this green, and she was impressed by all the history around her.
The only other building I can remember enough to note here is the complex that houses the Liberty Bell. This bell was cast in London in 1752 and first cracked when it was rung upon arrival. It was repaired twice, but on the third time, the crack stayed. The saying "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof" is etched in its side and led to its eventual name. While rumor has it that it was rung from Independence Hall on July 4, 1776 to announce the Declaration of Independence, historians believe that it wasn't as there was no public announcement of the signing.
The Bell is now housed in its own building in the park in front of Independence Hall with a huge line to get in. Since dogs clearly aren't allowed inside, we just showed Izzy the Bell through the glass windows.
While I know I spent a day exploring this park as a kid, it was fun to come back as a more history-focused adult, even for just a dog walk around the sites. Maybe one day, I'll convince Pam to do some more exploring...probably not.
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