Trifter

Retrace the paths of our Founding Fathers in this historic square mile

Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood may consist of a mere 20 city blocks, but its historic significance changed a nation. For it was here in the 1770s that our Founding Fathers launched America on its long and difficult journey toward freedom and independence.

Known as Independence National Historical Park, and referred to locally as Independence Mall, this relatively small area contains two of the most well-known symbols of American freedom, which alone attract millions of tourists annually. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. What many tourists both global and local are unaware of, however, is that the area is teeming with historic sites most of them within a few steps of the park, all of them a tribute to the birth of our country.

This is why it is possible to cover more than 200 years of American history in only two days in the city of Philadelphia.

Day 1:

Birth of America

The first thing you should do before beginning your journey through United States history is go to the Independence Visitor Center. Here they offer not just information on attractions within Independence Mall, but are brimming with information on the more than 4,000 attractions throughout the city and its surrounding areas. The center also has timed-entry tickets for Independence Hall available on a first-come, first-served basis. At the Liberty Bell Center you can get your picture taken with the 2,000-plus pound bell, and look through the multimedia displays in the gallery. On your tour of Independence Hall you will be taken through the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution drafted and signed. Then it’s outside and on to Independence Square, where the Declaration was first read, winding up with a visit to Congress Hall, Old City Hall and Philosophical Hall. If you are still looking for things to do on your first morning in the park, now is a good time to stop by Carpenters Hall, Franklin Court, the Second Bank of the U.S. and Todd House (former home of Dolly Madison), since all of these places are right near Independence Hall.

Final Resting Place

Now we come to Christ Church Burial Ground which has been in existence since 1719, and is the burial place of Benjamin Franklin and his wife Deborah. You needn’t go inside the graveyard if you don’t want to. Ben and Deborah’s grave can be easily seen from the sidewalk and if that’s all you’re interested in then fine. But I would highly recommend taking the time and paying the $2 entrance fee to trek across this colonial cemetery. Besides Franklin, four other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here. Also, if it’s luck you’re searching for, be sure and toss a coin on Ben Franklin’s grave as a sign of respect and good luck should come your way.

Philadelphia Mint

If you’re not in a hurry, it’s well worth spending the time to take a tour through the Philadelphia Mint, the oldest mint in the country. The first U.S. coins were minted in the original facility called Ye Ole Mint, in 1793. Today, millions of dollars worth of pennies, dimes and quarters, as well as gold bullion coins and medals, are made on the Mall in what is the Mint’s fourth location.

National Constitution Center

While most of us have the words etched indelibly in our minds, this stately limestone complex has ‘We the people…’ the famous opening words of the U. S. Constitution engraved on the facade of the building. Inside there are over 100 interactive and multimedia exhibits, including pictures, videos and artifacts, which tell the country’s story. The building has been opened since 2003, and with its flag-lined Grand Hall Lobby to the circular American National Tree that features the stories of 100 Americans who influenced the constitution, is a worthy addition to the historic sites surrounding it. One of the favorite exhibits is located in Signers’ Hall, where life-size bronze statues of the Constitution’s 39 signers and three dissenters are displayed. You can even play along and choose to sign or dissent.

Dinner with George, Thomas, and John

City Tavern was once a favorite of such American greats as Founding Fathers John Adams, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Although rebuilt, it has been in existence since 1773. The serving staff wear period dress and colonial-style dishes are served for this trip back in time. It is said that the sweet potato biscuits were a favorite of Jefferson, while the turkey pot pie is from a recipe by Martha Washington. Even the ales are brewed using George Washington’s and Thomas Jefferson’s original recipes. Because of the great popularity of this restaurant, reservations are recommended so that you will not simply arrive and be disappointed if seating is not available. 

Bond House

The Thomas Bond House, built in 1769 has been painstakingly restored to it’s former glory. The house was the home of the co-founder of the Pennsylvania Hospital and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a total of 12 guest rooms each decorated with warmth and grace in Old World style. All rooms feature views of Welcome Park.

Day 2: 

Breakfast with Ben

Those of you who so desire are welcome to join Benjamin Franklin for an all-you-can-eat breakfast in the Independence Visitor Center. Tickets are available at the Visitor Center information desk. You will also have the opportunity to meet the famous Ben himself, talk with and even have your picture taken with him.

Ducks Tour

After a day of being on your feet, you can relax and unwind in a unique way by taking a ride on the 70-minute amphibious ride The Ducks Tour. For parents it is a welcome chance to kick back and simply enjoy the scenery, while children will love the experience, especially the free and fully functioning Wacky Quacker noisemakers. The ride departs from Duck Central, right by the Independence Visitor Center, and you glide through the streets of Philadelphia before getting dunked in the Delaware River.

The Quakers

Many Quakers played vital roles in the creation of our nation as well as Philadelphia, thus Independence Mall contains many historic sites linked to these people and their religion. One of these is the former home of seamstress Betsy Ross, creator of the first American flag. People remember her as the woman who sewed the first flag for the United States, but a good many are surprised to learn that she was a Quaker. Also, the Free Quaker Meeting House has on display the five-pointed star tissue pattern that it is said Betsy Ross used to create the stars for her flag.

Historic Homes

If quaint old houses are your thing, then by all means you must explore Elfreth’s Alley. This narrow cobblestone lane is lined with 32 historic homes and is the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the country. Fortunately, the beautiful homes located here have remained undisturbed and still look much the same as when they were built in the 1700s and early 1800s.

When one considers just how small Independence National Historical Park is, especially in relation to all of Philadelphia, it is amazing just how much history it holds. Rest assured that the tour of this area is quite a rewarding experience. You will leave with a greater understanding of how this country was founded and the beliefs and character of the people who made it happen.