Independence Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Independence Hall |
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Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and ratified
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| Location | 520 Chestnut Street (between 5th and 6th Streets), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Built | 1753 |
| Architect | William Strickland (steeple) |
| Architectural style(s) | Georgian |
| Visitors | 645,564 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | vi |
| Designated | 1979 (3rd session) |
| Reference no. | 78 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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| Designated | October 15, 1966 |
| Part of | Independence National Historical Park |
| Reference no. | 66000683 |
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Independence Hall is a super important building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's where America's Founding Fathers discussed and agreed upon two of the most important documents in U.S. history: the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
This building is the main attraction of Independence National Historical Park. In 1979, it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This means it's recognized as a place of special importance to everyone in the world.
Independence Hall is famous for its Georgian architecture style. This style uses lots of symmetry, classic shapes, and exposed brick with stone details. Inside, it feels open and bright with plenty of natural light.
The building was finished in 1753 and was first called the Pennsylvania State House. It served as the first capitol for the colonial government of Pennsylvania. Even back then, people thought it was "the greatest ornament in the town." Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy for the United States.
Contents
Birth of a Nation: Key Events at Independence Hall
Independence Hall played a huge role in the creation of the United States. Many critical decisions were made within its walls.
The American Revolution and the Continental Congress
During the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress met here from 1775 to 1781. This was a group of representatives from the thirteen British colonies.
On June 14, 1775, they created the Continental Army inside Independence Hall. They also chose George Washington to be its leader.
Declaring Independence
The most famous event happened on July 4, 1776. The 56 delegates of the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. This document, mostly written by Thomas Jefferson, announced that the colonies were now free from Great Britain.
The Declaration was read aloud to the public right outside the building in what is now Independence Square. This historic day is celebrated every year as U.S. Independence Day.
Writing the U.S. Constitution
Later, from May to September 1787, Independence Hall hosted the Constitutional Convention. Here, leaders debated and wrote the U.S. Constitution. This document created the framework for the U.S. government and is the longest-standing written constitution in the world.
The delegates kept their discussions secret during that hot summer. They wanted to make sure they could speak freely. The new Constitution was finished on September 17, 1787.
A Place for Peace and Progress
Independence Hall continued to be a place for important discussions. In 1915, former U.S. president William Howard Taft led a meeting here. This meeting formed the League to Enforce Peace. This group helped lead to the creation of the League of Nations and later the United Nations. These organizations aimed to prevent future wars.
Lincoln's Final Journey
After Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, was assassinated in 1865, his body traveled across the country. On April 22, 1865, his funeral train arrived in Philadelphia. Lincoln's coffin was brought to Independence Hall.
Over 300,000 people waited for hours to see him in the Assembly Room. It was a very sad and important moment for the nation.
Building the State House
In 1729, people in Philadelphia decided to build a state house. They chose a spot on Chestnut Street. This area was a bit outside the city back then.
The building was designed by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton. Construction took many years, from 1732 to 1753, because they built it as money became available.
What Independence Hall Looks Like
Independence Hall has a classic red brick look. It has a main building with a tall bell tower and steeple. Smaller wings are connected to the main building by covered walkways. The very top of the steeple is about 168 feet (51 meters) high!
The Liberty Bell's Home
The famous Liberty Bell used to be housed in the original wooden steeple of Independence Hall. When that steeple was removed, the bell moved to the brick tower. It stayed there until the 1850s.
Today, the Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center across the street. A different, larger bell now hangs in the steeple.
The Assembly Room
The Assembly Room is the most important room in Independence Hall. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. It's truly the heart of American history.
Protecting a National Treasure
Independence Hall has been carefully preserved over the years. The National Park Service manages it as part of Independence National Historical Park. This park helps protect many historic sites from the American Revolution.
Restoring the Building
The original wooden steeple was removed in 1781 because it was getting old and weak. A new, more decorative steeple was added in 1828. The side wings of the building have also been rebuilt over time to match the original look.
In the mid-20th century, the inside of Independence Hall was carefully restored. Experts used old records, diaries, and even paintings to make the rooms look just as they did in the 1700s. They scraped off layers of paint to find the original colors and studied old nails to understand how things were built.
Modern Challenges
Today, Independence Hall faces challenges like air pollution and lots of visitors. The National Park Service works hard to protect the building from damage. They have security measures in place to keep everyone safe and preserve the building.
There is an ongoing project called the Independence Square Improvement Project. It started in 2025 and will finish in 2026. This project is making the building more accessible and restoring many parts of it. This is all in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Lasting Impact: Independence Hall's Legacy
Independence Hall continues to inspire people. It has been a place for speeches and protests supporting democratic and civil rights movements. For example, President John F. Kennedy gave a speech there in 1962.
The building is also featured on U.S. money. It's on the back of the $100 bill and was on the Kennedy half dollar in 1975-76. The Assembly Room is even pictured on the back of the U.S. two-dollar bill.
Replicas Around the World
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Many buildings have been designed to look like Independence Hall. You can find replicas in places like Dearborn, Michigan, and Buena Park, California. This shows how much this historic building means to people across the country.
Images for kids
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Independence Hall in 1799, with the wooden steeple removed.
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The Governor's Council Chamber.
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The Supreme Court Room.
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Tower Stair Hall.
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A 1956 stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service.
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A 1974 stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service.
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The reverse side of a Kennedy half dollar, featuring Independence Hall.
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A U.S. $2 bill, featuring the Committee of Five presenting its draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress.
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See also
In Spanish: Independence Hall para niños
- Old City Hall, where the Supreme Court met.
- Syng inkstand, the inkstand used to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
