Pass By: The President's House, 6th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Though what you'll see today is only the foundation of the original, this location was still important in early American history. This home played host to the first two presidents of the newly formed United States, before the White House was constructed.
Pass By: Liberty Bell Center, 6th Street, Between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
This famous bell was cast in London in 1752, and was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House Bell. In the 1830s, abolitionists, who adopted it as an icon, gave it the name of the Liberty Bell. That has a much better "ring" to it, don't you agree?
Pass By: Independence Hall, Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Independence Hall was 21 years in the building, and was finished in 1753. It's perhaps most famous for hosting the Second Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and also, Nicolas Cage in the film "National Treasure".
Pass By: Congress Hall, 6th & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
This building was host to the two houses of Congress before the capital moved to Washington DC, and is the source of the terms "upper chamber" and "lower chamber".
Pass By: American Philosophical Society Museum, 104 S 5th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Benjamin Franklin adopted Philadelphia as his hometown after relocating from Boston. After he established himself, he founded many organizations, including the American Philosophical Society.
Pass By: Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
The Carpenters' Company, the oldest trade guild in America, met here, as did the First Continental Congress, before moving to Independence Hall. Benjamin Franklin's expansive library was also housed here.
Pass By: First Bank of the United States, 120 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Chartered by Alexander Hamilton, the establishment of this bank can be definitively tied to the emergence of the two-party system in America. This was mostly caused by the rift between Alexander Hamilton, who was in favor of the bank, and Thomas Jefferson, who was vehemently opposed to the creation of a central bank.
Pass By: Christ Church, 20 N American St, On 2nd, Above Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
One of the principles William Penn held dear was freedom of religion, and he founded the colony bearing his name, Pennsylvania, upon this ideal. After fleeing persecution in England due to his Quaker beliefs, Penn offered no resistance when the Church of England wanted to establish a church in Philadelphia. This historic church counted at least 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence among its parishioners.
