Independence Hall
Building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About
Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted by the Founding Fathers of the United States. The building, which is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979. It is an example of American Georgian architecture, which is characterized by symmetry, classical proportions, and exposed brick with stone masonry accents.
Independence Hall, which was initially called Pennsylvania State House, was completed in 1753. It was the first capitol of the colonial era Province of Pennsylvania and, even then, was seen as "the greatest ornament in the town". The building became a symbol of liberty, democracy, and the founding of the United States. During the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress convened in the building from 1775 to 1781. They founded the Continental Army there on June 14, 1775, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted there on July 4, 1776. From May 25 to September 17, 1787, the Pennsylvania State House hosted the Constitutional Convention, where the U.S. Constitution was debated, drafted, and ratified.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Constitutional Convention (United States)
1787 meeting of U.S. state delegates
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
American free speech organization
330 ft awayLiberty Bell
Symbol of American independence and liberty
330 ft awayIndependence National Historical Park
Historic site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
0.1 mi awayCongregation Mikveh Israel
Synagogue in Philadelphia
0.1 mi awayAthenaeum of Philadelphia
Member-supported library and museum
0.1 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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