Background
The Declaration of Independence of 1776 and the Constitution of the United States of 1787 were both signed in this building in Philadelphia. UNESCO says the universal principles of freedom and democracy set out in those documents are of fundamental importance to American history and have had a profound impact on law-makers around the world.
Completed in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House, the brick Georgian building hosted the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1781 and the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It is the centrepiece of Independence National Historical Park, which acts as a buffer between the hall and the modern city.
- 1753The Pennsylvania State House is completed
- 1775The Continental Army is founded here on 14 June
- 1776The Declaration of Independence is adopted on 4 July
- 1787The Constitutional Convention drafts the Constitution
- 1824Renamed the Hall of Independence for Lafayette's visit
- 1979Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Independence HallThe Assembly Room where both documents were signed; tours need a free timed ticket.
- 2Liberty BellIn its pavilion across the street.
- 3Congress HallWhere Congress met while Philadelphia was the capital.
- 4Museum of the American RevolutionWith Washington's war tent.
- 5Elfreth's AlleyAmerica's oldest residential street, nearby in the Old City.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Birthplace of America
From the GoGo Philadelphia guide · Open the Philadelphia Guide ›
- 09:00Independence Hall1 hrThe Assembly Room.
- 10:15Liberty Bell30 minAcross the street.
- 11:00Museum of the American Revolution2 hrsWashington's war tent.
- 13:00Reading Terminal Market1 hrCheesesteaks and Amish pastries.
- 16:00Elfreth's Alley45 minThe oldest residential street.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Freezing days in Jan–Feb.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
