Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia
with
John Fischer
See all the Major Sites in Historic Philadelphia including Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall.
Transcript: Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia
Hi I'm John Fischer your Guide to the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area at About.com.Historic Philadelphia Visitor Center
The best place to begin a visit to Historic Philadelphia is at the new Independence Visitor Center at the corner of 8th and Market Streets. It's directly across from the new Liberty Bell Center.Indepndence Hall
Across from the Liberty Bell Center sits Independence Hall on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. It is flocked on either side by Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Originally the State House of Pennsylvania, it was in the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.Rising Sun Chair
The "rising sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention is original. Benjamin Franklin tried to determine if the sun was rising or setting. "But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun," he said.Carpenters Hall
Nearby on Chestnut between 4th and 5th, you'll find Carpenters Hall where the First and Second Continental Congress met.First Bank of the US
Nearby on 4th Street is the First Bank of the United States, conceived by Alexander Hamilton and built in a neo-classical design which was intended to recall the democracy and splendor of ancient Greece.Franklin Hall Area
Crossing Chestnut Street you'll find a small alley taking you to Franklin Court where the house of Philadelphia's most famous founding father, Benjamin Franklin, once stood.Walk back to 5th Street and two blocks to the north and you'll come to Arch Street and the new and exciting National Constitution Center.
A short walk east on Arch Street will bring you to the Betsy Ross house where legend has it that the first American flag was sewn.
If you head over to 2nd near Market Street, you can't miss Christ Church. Founded in 1695, it is where most of the founding fathers worshipped.
Thanks for watching. To learn more about Historic Philadelphia join us on the web at Philadelphia.About.com.