Independence National Historical Park facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Independence National Historical Park
The Liberty Bell (foreground) and Independence Hall (background) at Independence National Historical Park
Location	143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Area	55.42 acres (22.43 ha)
Architect	William Strickland, et al.
Architectural style(s)	Colonial, Georgian, and Federal
Visitors	3,572,770 (in 2011)
Governing body	National Park Service

U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Designated	October 15, 1966
Reference no.	66000683


U.S. National Historical Park
Designated	June 28, 1948

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Independence National Historical Park is a special place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It protects many important sites from the American Revolution and the early days of the United States. The National Park Service takes care of this park, which covers about 55 acres. It includes many of Philadelphia's most famous historic spots. People often call it "America's most historic square mile" because so much history happened here!

The most important building in the park is Independence Hall. This is where America's Founding Fathers discussed and approved the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. These big events happened in the late 1700s. Independence Hall was also the main meeting place for the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1783. Later, the Constitutional Convention met there in 1787.

Right next to Independence Hall is Carpenters' Hall. This building hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774. Also nearby is Congress Hall, where the United States Congress met in the 1790s. This was before Washington, D.C. became the nation's capital in 1800.

Across the street, you can see the Liberty Bell. This bell is a famous symbol of American freedom. It is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center. The park also has other old buildings, like the First Bank of the United States. This was the very first bank approved by the U.S. Congress. You can also find the Second Bank of the United States here. Another cool spot is City Tavern, a rebuilt colonial restaurant. It was a favorite place for the early American leaders.

Most of the park's historic buildings are in the area between Chestnut, Walnut, 2nd, and 6th streets. The park also includes Franklin Court, where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood. Today, it has a museum about Franklin and a United States Postal Service Museum. Franklin was the first Postmaster General for the new government. North of Independence Hall are three blocks called Independence Mall. Here you'll find the Liberty Bell Center, the National Constitution Center, and the Independence Visitor Center. The park also displays items like the Syng inkstand. This inkstand was used when the Declaration and Constitution were signed.

A Look Back: How the Park Began
Building the Park: A Place for History
Who Takes Care of the Park?
Exploring Independence Mall
More Cool Places to See
Gallery
See also

A Look Back: How the Park Began

The Start of America: Congress and Revolution

The First Continental Congress met at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia. This happened from September 5 to October 26, 1774. They met because of the "Intolerable Acts," which had punished Boston. The Congress decided that the colonies would stop buying British goods. This agreement was called the Continental Association. They also planned for a Second Continental Congress to meet in Philadelphia.

On May 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress gathered at the Pennsylvania State House. This building is now known as Independence Hall. This meeting happened after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which started the American Revolutionary War. In July 1775, Congress sent the "Olive Branch Petition" to King George III. They wanted to show loyalty to Britain and avoid more fighting.

However, the King rejected the petition in August 1775. He officially declared the colonies to be in rebellion. In February 1776, the colonists learned that Britain had passed the "Prohibitory Act." This act blocked American ports and called American ships enemy vessels. This was almost like a declaration of war from Britain. But Congress could not declare independence until each colony agreed.

On June 11, the Second Continental Congress chose a group called the Committee of Five. This group included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Their job was to write an official declaration of independence. Congress approved the final Declaration on July 4, 1776. This day marked the creation of the United States of America. Many historians believe the Old State House Bell, now the Liberty Bell, rang on July 8 to celebrate the Declaration's reading.

Creating the Constitution: The Philadelphia Meeting

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, a 1940 painting by Howard Chandler Christy

After 1781, the U.S. government used the Articles of Confederation. This system gave the federal government very little power. It could not control many domestic issues or collect money. In September 1786, a meeting called the Annapolis Convention took place. Delegates asked for a larger meeting in Philadelphia the next May. They wanted to fix trade rules and the government's structure. This led to the Philadelphia Convention, which met from May 14 to September 17, 1787. It was held at the Pennsylvania State House.

The convention had many disagreements and different ideas. But the delegates created the Constitution, which is often called a "bundle of compromises." James Madison presented the Virginia Plan. This plan suggested a national government with three branches and votes based on population. Larger states liked this plan. However, smaller states worried they would lose power. So, William Paterson proposed the New Jersey Plan. This plan suggested one legislative house where each state had one vote, like under the Articles of Confederation.

Roger Sherman combined these two ideas into the Connecticut Compromise. This plan passed on July 16, 1787, by just one vote. Other big issues included slavery and federal trade rules. These also led to more compromises.

Philadelphia: America's First Capital

The President's House, where George Washington and John Adams lived when Philadelphia was the capital.

In 1790, the Residence Act allowed President George Washington to choose a permanent capital city. It would be located along the Potomac River. But Robert Morris from Pennsylvania convinced Congress to make Philadelphia the temporary capital. So, from December 6, 1790, to May 14, 1800, federal, state, county, and city offices were all in the same area.

Congress Hall became the home of the United States Congress. The House of Representatives met on the first floor. The Senate met on the second floor. During this time, the U.S. added three new states: Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Bill of Rights was also approved. Both George Washington (for his second term) and John Adams became president here. The President's House was where President Washington lived and worked. President Adams also lived there from 1797 to 1800. Important laws like the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 and the Alien and Sedition Acts were signed at this house. The Supreme Court met at Old City Hall.

Pennsylvania delegates tried to keep the capital in Philadelphia. The city started building a huge new presidential palace and expanding Congress Hall. But these efforts did not work. The federal government moved from Philadelphia for good on May 14, 1800.

What Happened After the Capital Moved?

Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

Even though it was vital to the nation's start, Independence Hall became a city building after the federal government left. The state government moved to Harrisburg in 1812. Since the Pennsylvania State House was not needed, the state thought about selling it. They even considered dividing the land into building lots.

In 1816, the hall almost got torn down. By 1818, the buildings were no longer state property. The City of Philadelphia bought them and used them until the late 1800s. That's when the city government moved to a new city hall. In 1852, the Liberty Bell was moved from its tower. It was put on display inside Independence Hall. Between 1885 and 1915, the Liberty Bell traveled by train seven times for different events. After that, the city stopped allowing it to travel.

Building the Park: A Place for History

The area's importance faded when City Hall moved west. But it was still a busy business center. The idea for an Independence Hall park first came up in 1915. Architects Albert Kelsey and D. Knickerbacker Boyd wanted to clear the area in front of Independence Hall. They wanted to make the hall look better, reduce fire risks, and make the area more beautiful. The idea for a park grew in the 1920s and 1930s. Patriotism increased during the American Sesqui-Centennial in 1926. World War II also made people feel more patriotic and want to protect national monuments.

On June 28, 1948, Congress passed a law to create Independence National Historical Park. It officially opened on July 4, 1956. On March 16, 1959, the Old Philadelphia Customs House was added to the park. This building is also known as the Second Bank of the United States. The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. In 1973, Pennsylvania gave the three blocks of Independence Mall to the federal government. Independence Hall became a UNESCO World Heritage Site on October 24, 1979.

Who Takes Care of the Park?

Carpenters' Hall

The Independence Visitor Center

The National Park Service manages and protects Independence National Historical Park. This is a federal agency. In 2003, the Park Service spent about $30.7 million on the park. Most of this money went to staff and building repairs. The Independence Visitor Center is a team effort. It is run by the park and a nonprofit group. The National Park Service has 247 permanent employees and seven seasonal workers at the park.

The park's team works to protect its historic buildings, old archaeological sites, and natural areas. They also care for about 1.5 million historical items. In 2003, the main projects were fixing and improving park buildings and grounds.

The Independence Visitor Center offers information about the park and Philadelphia. It also has details about nearby areas like South Jersey. The building is 50,000 square feet. It opened in 2001 thanks to many groups working together.

Exploring Independence Mall

Independence Mall, facing Independence Hall

Independence Mall is the main three-block area of Independence National Historical Park. It is just north of Independence Hall. It is located between Chestnut, Race, 5th, and 6th Streets.

On the Mall, you can find the National Constitution Center (on the north block). The Independence Visitor Center and the Free Quaker Meetinghouse are on the middle block. The President's House Memorial and the Liberty Bell Center are on the south block. There is also an underground parking garage and a small outdoor cafe. Public restrooms and the "Peoples' Plaza" are on the first block.

Buildings around the Mall include Congress Hall, Independence Hall, and Old City Hall to the south. To the east are the Philadelphia Bourse and the National Museum of American Jewish History. To the west, you'll find the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the James A. Byrne Courthouse.

How Independence Mall Was Planned

Independence Hall and the first block of Independence Mall in 1952, after demolition.

The idea for a park around Independence Hall started with the Historic Sites Act of 1935. In 1937, architect Roy F. Larson created the first plan for Independence Mall. He imagined a five-block mall. This plan was strongly supported by the Independence Hall Association. In 1947, as a national park was being created, Lewis suggested the federal government buy the three blocks north of Independence Hall. The National Park Service (NPS) only wanted the first block.

Lewis then took his three-block mall idea to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He convinced them to build it as a state park. This park would honor Pennsylvanians who died in World War II. Independence Mall State Park was built in the 1950s. The plan was for the land to eventually go to the NPS. Pennsylvania and Philadelphia worked together on its construction. Many buildings were bought and torn down for the project. Most of these were from the late 1800s. People thought these buildings looked bad next to the historic area. This included the remaining walls of the President's House. This was where George Washington and John Adams lived when Philadelphia was the capital.

By 1959, the only building not torn down was the Free Quaker Meetinghouse. It was used as a warehouse before being restored. In 1961, the building was moved to make Fifth Street wider. The first block of the mall was finished in 1954. It had a central lawn, walkways, and trees. The next block was planned to have a fountain and a reflecting pool.

The northernmost block was designed by Dan Kiley, a famous landscape architect. His 1963 plan used Philadelphia's original city square layout. Fountains represented each square. Seven hundred honey locust trees were planted around the fountains. However, many trees did not survive because they were too close together.

The Park Service Steps In

Independence Mall, around 1959. The first block is done. The second block is partly done. Buildings on the third block are still there.

Congress created Independence National Historical Park on June 28, 1948. When it opened on July 4, 1956, the park did not include the Mall. In 1972, the Mall was given to the NPS. In 1974, the NPS officially took over the entire Mall.

Before 1976, the Liberty Bell was inside Independence Hall. For the 200th birthday of the U.S., the park committee suggested moving the bell. Independence Hall could not hold the millions of visitors expected. An early plan to move the bell to South Third Street was not popular. Another idea in 1973 was to build a smaller building north of Independence Hall. This also faced resistance. Mayor Frank Rizzo then suggested putting the building in the block directly north of Independence Hall. This idea was approved.

Plans were made for a new glass and steel building at the north end of the first block of Independence Mall. This building was designed by Romaldo Giurgola in 1974. Construction started in 1975. The glass Liberty Bell Pavilion was finished later that year. The bell was moved on New Year's Eve. The Pavilion opened to the public on January 1, 1976. This was the Liberty Bell's home until October 9, 2003.

Making the Park Even Better

Map of Independence Mall

In 1997, the NPS announced a plan to redesign Independence Mall. This plan involved building several new public buildings. Most old structures were removed, except for the Free Quaker Meetinghouse. The new design focused buildings along 6th Street. Smaller parks with trees and landscaping were added along 5th Street.

The Independence Visitors Center opened in November 2001. The National Constitution Center opened in July 2003. The Liberty Bell moved into the Liberty Bell Center in October 2003. The old Liberty Bell Pavilion was torn down in 2006. The park now includes exhibits about slavery in U.S. history. A memorial at 6th and Market Streets shows where the President's House once stood. It honors the enslaved people who worked there.

Many renovations were completed by 2026, just in time for the 250th birthday of the United States. These projects included fixing roofs and updating heating and cooling systems. More exciting changes included a new public square. The park also updated how it tells the story of the nation's founding. Major projects included renovating the First Bank of the United States, the Declaration House, Welcome Park, the Bicentennial Bell, Carpenters' Hall, and the West Wing of Independence Hall.