Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn. During the 18th Century it played important roles in the American Revolution and early American government. Although it is now a major metropolitan area with skyline dominated by skyscrapers, many buildings dating back to Colonial times still exist throughout the historic city center.
Independence Hall was built in 1732 as the Pennsylvania Statehouse. In May, 1775 it was the site of the Second Continental Congress which adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Between May and September,1787, Independence Hall played host to the Constitution Convention. Today it is operated by the National Park Service.
Philosophical Hall is the home of the American Philosophical Society, established in 1743. Based on an idea from Benjamin Franklin, the American Philosophical society was the meeting place for thinkers in many fields including natural science, government and industry. Today it is renowned for its research, publications, library and exhibits. The Society's museum is free and open to the public.
Named after blacksmith Jeremiah Elfeth, Elfreth's Alley opened in 1702, connecting two blacksmith shops near the waterfront with Second Street, one of Philadelphia's main streets. Visitors to Elfreth Alley can learn about the neighborhood's history at the Elfreth Alley Museum located in 124 and 126 Elfreth's Alley. Although the Museum hopes to add house 128, the two houses comprising the museum complex are currently the only homes open to the public. The others are private homes.
City Tavern is a recreation of an 18th Century tavern where both Philadelphia residents and visitors discussed issues of the day. It played host to delegates from the Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention. Famous guests include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington. Today, the City Tavern Restaurant serves lunches and dinners based on 18th century recipes.
Carpenter's Hall was opened in 1770 as a meeting place for the Carpenter's Company, the country's oldest trade guild. The building's second story was occupied by Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia Library Company until 1791. In 1774, Carpenter's Hall was the meeting place of the First Continental Congress when they created the Declaration of Rights and Grievances and the Colonies' official response to Parliament's punishment of Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. During the Revolution it served as an arsenal and hospital for American forces.
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the U.S. Post Office and named Benjamin Franklin Postmaster General. He served this post at the B. Free Franklin Post Office. The only colonial-era post office operated by the U.S. Postal Service the B. Free Franklin Post Office and Museum shows visitors life in colonial Philadelphia. Keeping with its historical theme, it is the only operational post office that doesn't fly the U.S. Flag.
Christ Church was established in 1695 as the first parish of the Church of England in Pennsylvania. Referred to as the "Nation's Church", it served as a place of worship for George Washington, Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin and other leading colonial figures. After the Revolutionary War severed connections with England, it was at Christ Church where American branch of the Church of England was reorganized into Episcopal Church.
