Independence Hall facts for kids
Independence Hall is a very important historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's where America's leaders, known as the Founding Fathers, met to create two of the most important documents in U.S. history. These were the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
This building is the main attraction of Independence National Historical Park. In 1979, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Independence Hall shows off a beautiful style called Georgian architecture. This style is known for its balanced look, classic shapes, and red brick with stone details.
First called the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall was finished in 1733. It served as the first government building for the colony of Pennsylvania. Even back then, people thought it was the most beautiful building in town. It quickly became a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy for the new United States.
During the American Revolutionary War, important meetings of the Second Continental Congress took place here from 1775 to 1781. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Army was formed inside its walls. A year later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved here. Later, from May to September 1787, the Constitutional Convention met at Independence Hall. During this time, the U.S. Constitution was discussed, written, and officially approved.
Today, Independence Hall is part of a National Park. This park helps protect the historic building from the busy city around it. Security checks are in place to keep visitors and the building safe. Protecting this special place from many visitors and pollution is a big job.
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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Contents
Building a Symbol of Freedom
Planning the Pennsylvania State House
In 1729, people in Philadelphia decided to build a new government building. Philadelphia was the capital of the colony of Pennsylvania at the time. A group of leaders, including Andrew Hamilton, was chosen to find a spot and get plans for the building.
Hamilton and William Allen bought land on Chestnut Street for the new State House. This area was then on the edge of the city. It was a peaceful, green space that had once been a camp for American Indians.
Designing and Constructing the Building
There were some disagreements about the building's design and exact location. Two important figures, John Kearsley and Andrew Hamilton, both had ideas. Hamilton eventually convinced the Provincial Assembly that his plans were best.
In August 1733, the assembly agreed with Hamilton. They gave him full power over the project. Construction began soon after on Chestnut Street, where Independence Hall stands today. Workers built a strong foundation and used thick, red bricks for the outer walls. The inside frame and roof were made with sturdy wooden beams.
The Building's Design and Features
Independence Hall has a classic red brick look, typical of Georgian architecture. It features a main building with a tall bell tower and steeple. Two smaller buildings are connected to it by arched walkways. The very top of the steeple reaches about 168 feet (51 meters) high.
The State House was built between 1732 and 1753. Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton designed it. It served as Pennsylvania's government building until 1799. In 1752, Thomas Stretch was chosen to build the first clock for the State House.
| Ground floor of Independence Hall (right-click links below for room images)
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Changes Over Time
While the main part of the building is original, some sections have been rebuilt. The first wooden steeple was removed in 1781 because it was getting old and weak. A new, more detailed steeple was added in 1828, designed by William Strickland.
The smaller side wings and connecting walkways were also rebuilt over the years. The current interior looks much like it did in the 1700s. This is thanks to careful restoration work done by the National Park Service.
The Famous Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell once hung 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, famous for its crack, is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center. This special center is located just across the street from Independence Hall.
The Assembly Room: Where History Happened
The Assembly Room is the most important room in Independence Hall. It's where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. This room saw many intense debates and historic decisions.
Key Moments in History
The history of Independence Hall can be divided into different periods. It was first a government building, then a museum, and later a city building. Since 1898, it has been a major historical landmark.
Declaring Independence
From 1775 to 1783, the Pennsylvania State House was the main meeting place for the Second Continental Congress. This group included representatives from the thirteen British colonies in North America.
On June 14, 1775, the delegates in the Assembly Room created the Continental Army. They appointed George Washington as its leader. Just over a month later, on July 26, Benjamin Franklin became the first Postmaster General.
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved here. This document declared the colonies free from Great Britain. It explained why they wanted to be an independent nation. We celebrate this historic day every year as U.S. Independence Day.
Creating the U.S. Constitution
In 1787, leaders from twelve states met at Independence Hall for the Constitutional Convention. They wanted to improve the country's first set of rules, the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they decided to write a completely new plan for government.
The meetings were kept secret during the hot summer. On September 17, 1787, the new U.S. Constitution was finished. It officially became law on March 4, 1789. This document created the framework for the United States government we have today.
Philadelphia also served as the temporary capital of the United States for ten years. This was from 1790 to 1800, while Washington, D.C. was being built. During this time, Congress met in Congress Hall, right next to Independence Hall.
A Nation Mourns: Lincoln's Visit
After Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, was assassinated in 1865, his body traveled by train to his burial place. On April 22, 1865, Lincoln's funeral train arrived in Philadelphia.
His coffin was brought to Independence Hall. It was placed in the Assembly Room for people to pay their respects. Over 300,000 mourners came to see him, some waiting for hours. This showed how much the nation grieved for its fallen leader.
Protecting a National Treasure
Independence Hall is a World Heritage Site because of its huge importance to freedom and democracy worldwide. It's managed by the National Park Service, which works to keep it safe for everyone to visit and learn from.
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman helped create the Independence National Historical Park. This park includes Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and the Liberty Bell. Being part of a national park means it gets the highest level of protection from the U.S. government.
The National Park Service has a plan to care for Independence Hall. This plan helps manage visitors and protect the building's history. They work hard to balance letting people see the site with keeping it safe from damage. This includes protecting it from pollution and the effects of many visitors.
Over the years, the building has undergone many restorations. These projects aim to bring parts of the building back to their original 18th-century look. Experts use old drawings, letters, and even paint samples to make sure the work is accurate.
For example, the Assembly Room was carefully restored to how it looked when the Declaration of Independence was signed. This involved uncovering original brick walls and matching old paint colors. The goal is always to preserve as much of the original building as possible.
The steeple and tower have also been repaired and strengthened. This ensures they remain stable and protected from weather damage. Recent work, completed in 2026, focused on improving accessibility and restoring masonry and wood elements. This project prepared the site for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, security around Independence Hall was increased. This helps keep this important monument safe for all visitors.
Independence Hall's Lasting Impact
Famous Speeches and Events
Independence Hall has continued to be a place for important speeches and events. In 1915, the League to Enforce Peace was formed here, proposing a way for nations to work together for peace.
National Freedom Day, celebrating the fight for equality, has been held here since 1942. On July 4, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave a speech at Independence Hall. From 1965 to 1969, demonstrations for gay rights also took place in front of the building.
Independence Hall in Pop Culture
Independence Hall is a well-known symbol of America. It has been featured on the back of the U.S. $100 bill since 1928. It also appeared on the 1975–76 bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. 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 inspired by Independence Hall's design. You can find replicas, or copies, of the building in other places. For example, there's a brick-by-brick replica in Buena Park, California.
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 and issued in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. president who was assassinated in 1963
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A U.S. $2 bill, issued in 2003, 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.
