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7 of Philadelphia’s Best Historic Attractions

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7 of Philadelphia’s Best Historic Attractions
by Zachary Nestler (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zacharynestler/)

Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States and held the distinction of being the country’s largest city until 1830. The city of Philadelphia has worked hard over the years to preserve and/or restore historical sites to keep its history alive. If you are planning a trip to Philadelphia, there are seven historic sites that you don’t want to miss.

Philadelphia
by Zachary Nestler (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zacharynestler/)

The Liberty Bell
520 Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19106

The Liberty Bell Center is part of Independence National Historic Park. England sent the bell over in the 1750s and it cracked shortly after its arrival. During the Civil War, the bell received its name The Liberty Bell, from abolitionists who used it as a symbol to help abolish slavery.

Independence Hall
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution was signed. Historical re-enactors guide visitors through the building while explaining interesting facts the building and its significance to American history.

The Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Although historians are not 100% certain if Betsy Ross lived in this actual house or the one next-door that was demolished years ago, the house has been refurnished as it would have appeared during Betsy Ross’s lifetime. The Betsy Ross house also features a Betsy Ross actor who educates visitors about the famous flag seamstress.

Elfreth’s Alley
126 Elfreth’s Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Elfreth’s Alley is often referred to as “Our nation’s oldest residential street.” The thirty-two homes in Elfreth’s Alley were built between 1728 and 1836. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the last few early American streets still in existence and hosts regular events to raise money to keep its colonial houses intact.

Franklin Court
314-321 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Although Benjamin Franklin’s house was demolished in the early 1800s, there is a ghost structure on the site that serves as a memorial to the original house. Franklin Court has many different attractions for visitors such as an 18th century printing and bindery office, the Benjamin Franklin Post Office and cell phone guided tours.

Declaration House
7th and Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson rented two rooms in the house while he wrote the Declaration of Independence. In 1975, the house was reconstructed and tourists can enjoy a short film about the drafting of the Declaration of Independence as well as see the rooms where it was actually written. Both rooms are decorated with furniture from the colonial era.

Carpenter’s Hall
320 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

The first Continental Congress was hosted at Carpenter’s Hall in 1774. Carpenter’s Hall is owned by the oldest trade guild in America, The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia and has been since 1770. Today the building is part of Independence National Historical Park and welcomes visitors all year round.

Although these are seven of the best historic attractions in Philadelphia, the city has many other historical sites as well. Philadelphia is the birthplace of our nation and the city takes great pride in its history. If you are looking to step back in time, or learn more about how the United States was founded, Philadelphia is a great place to visit.