Old City Hall (Philadelphia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old City Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Old City Hall in Philadelphia, 2011
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Chestnut Street at 5th Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Built | 1790–91 |
| Architect | David Evans, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Independence National Historical Park (ID66000683) |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
Old City Hall is a very important historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It stands on Chestnut Street at 5th Street, right in the heart of the Independence Hall area. This area is now part of the Independence National Historical Park. The building was constructed a long time ago, between 1790 and 1791. It was designed in a style called Federal style by an architect named David Evans, Jr.
This building was first planned to be Philadelphia's own City Hall. But for a while, it served a much bigger role for the entire country! From 1791 until 1800, Old City Hall was home to the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the United States.
Contents
The Supreme Court's First Home
Why the Supreme Court Was in Philadelphia
When the United States was a very young country, its capital city moved around a bit. Philadelphia was the capital before Washington, D.C. was built. Because Philadelphia was the capital, important government branches, like the Supreme Court, were located there. Old City Hall became the place where the Supreme Court heard cases and made big decisions for the nation.
Important Judges at Old City Hall
During the nine years the Supreme Court was in Old City Hall, three different Chief Justices led the court. A Chief Justice is the main judge of the Supreme Court. These important leaders were John Jay, John Rutledge, and Oliver Ellsworth. They all worked from this building, helping to shape the laws and justice system of the new United States.
Old City Hall After 1800
Becoming Philadelphia's City Hall Again
In 1800, the national capital officially moved to Washington, D.C.. This meant the U.S. Supreme Court also moved to the new capital. After the Supreme Court left, Old City Hall finally became what it was originally meant to be: Philadelphia's City Hall. It served the city in this role for many years, until 1854.
A Part of History Today
Today, Old City Hall is a special part of the Independence National Historical Park. This park helps protect and share important historical places in Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia still owns the building, but it lets the National Park Service manage it. This way, visitors can learn about its history and the important events that happened there.
See also
