Overview

The concept of a free country was born within a few square blocks. We will visit the revered structures of the past, including those where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted, where presidents lived, and where delegates discussed the destiny of our nation. Along the route, we'll pass by a few well-known artifacts and discover the mysteries and tales these structures conceal. We'll talk about some names you've probably never heard of and share some historical obscurities. Let's hop in our time machine and head back to America in the 18th century.

Description

Pass By: The President's House, 6th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Though not standing today, the foundations of this structure can still be seen. At first the governor's home, this home played host to the first two presidents of the newly formed United States.

Pass By: Liberty Bell Center, 6th Street, Between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Cast in London in 1752, the original name of the bell was the Pennsylvania State House Bell. The name was changed to the Liberty Bell in the 1830s, when it was adopted as an icon for abolitionists.

Pass By: Independence Hall, Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

The construction of Independence Hall took 21 years and was completed in 1753 and is most famous for hosting the Second Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention, and Nicolas Cage in the film "National Treasure".

Pass By: Congress Hall, 6th & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

This building was the first home of the two houses of Congress and is the origin of the terms "upper chamber" and "lower chamber".

Pass By: American Philosophical Society Museum, 104 S 5th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

The American Philosophical Society was one of many organizations founded by Benjamin Franklin, who adopted Philadelphia as his hometown.

Pass By: Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

This building was the meeting house for the Carpenters' Company, the oldest trade guild in the United States. This historic structure played host to Benjamin Franklin's library and the First Continental Congress.

Pass By: First Bank of the United States, 120 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

This bank was chartered by Alexander Hamilton and the emergence of the two party system in America can be traced back to the rift between Alexander Hamilton, who was in favor of a central bank, and Thomas Jefferson, who was adamantly opposed to a central bank.

Pass By: Christ Church, 20 N American St, On 2nd, Above Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

When William Penn founded Pennsylvania, one of his principles was the freedom of religion, due to his own persecution for his Quaker beliefs. When the Church of England wanted to found a church in Philadelphia, he offered no resistance. This historic church counted at least 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence among its parishioners.