Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park
The Liberty Bell of Independence Hall
Coordinates: 39 ° 56 '52 "  N , 75 ° 8' 53"  W.
Location:	Pennsylvania , United States
Next city:	Philadelphia, PA
Surface:	0.2 km²
Founding:	1941
Visitors:	5,067,510 (2016)

The Independence National Historical Park (NHP) is located in Philadelphia in the US state of Pennsylvania . The Independence NHP is considered the most historic neighborhood in the United States.

history

Philadelphia, which was the capital of revolutionary America from 1790 to 1800 and the most important city of the independence movement and constitution , has maintained its architectural past like hardly any other city of this size. Many buildings in which important processes for the founding of the United States of America took place have been preserved and restored for over two centuries, also in cooperation with the surrounding city quarters, which also benefited from the urban renewal measures.

In June 1948, the Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill to establish a National Historical Park in the historic center of Philadelphia, which was signed by President Harry S. Truman on June 28 . Since October 1966, the district has been listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places .

Visitor center

The multi-award-winning film “Independence” has been shown several times a day in the Visitor Center of the Independence NHP since 1976, about 30 minutes of US history. The film introduces people whose names are closely linked to the independence movement, such as Thomas Jefferson , the author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) accompanied through the film as speaker .

First Bank of the United States

The First Bank of the United States served as the first government bank from 1797 to 1811. Today there is occasional summer theater in the former credit institute.

Carpenter's Hall

The brick Carpenters Hall is a reminder of the carpenters' guild founded in 1724, one of the first craft associations in the USA. In 1770 the Carpenters Hall was built as the guild's headquarters. In 1774 the First Continental Congress met here. After that, the building was used as a warehouse and hospital.

New Hall and Pemberton House

The New Hall was used as the War Department in 1791 and 1792. Today the building houses the Marine Corps Museum. Next to the New Hall is the Pemberton House with the Army-Navy Museum.

Second Bank of the United States

The Second Bank of the United States, a building from 1818–1824, served as a bank from 1824 to 1836, and as the Philadelphia Custom House from 1845 to 1936. Today a well-known portrait gallery is housed in the building.

Independence Square

The Declaration of Independence was read in public for the first time on July 8, 1776 in Independence Square. The Liberty Bell was rung.

Old City Hall

The Old City Hall (Old City Hall) was originally Philadelphia's City Hall. When Philadelphia was the capital of the United States, it was home to the United States' Supreme Court .

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

The Independence Hall ( Independence Hall ) is the actual centerpiece of the history park. Independence Hall was the State House of the Government of Pennsylvania from 1732 to 1756. Here on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson - the decisive act for the establishment of the United States of America.

Congress Hall

The Congress Hall was the seat of the federal government from 1790 to 1800 after Philadelphia replaced New York City as the government capital. From the balcony of the house, George Washington , the first President of the USA, made his last speech in 1797 .

Liberty Bell Pavilion

Liberty Bell.

In the Liberty Bell Pavilion, the Liberty Bell rests like a national shrine under glass. This symbol of freedom and independence is illuminated at night.

Graff House

Thomas Jefferson was staying at Graff House when he wrote the text of the American Declaration of Independence. Jefferson later became President of the United States.

Washington Square

Washington Square is a small park with a statue of George Washington (1732-1799) above the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution.

literature

• Constance M. Greiff: Independence: The Creation of a National Park. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia 1987, ISBN 0-8122-8047-4 .

Web links

Commons : Independence National Historical Park  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• National Park Service: Independence National Historical Park in English

Individual evidence

1. ^ Stats Report Viewer. National Park Service , accessed on December 27, 2017 (select the appropriate entry under "Park"). 
2. ^ Constance M. Greiff: Independence: The Creation of a National Park. P. 68.
3. ^ Independence National Historical Park on the National Register of Historic Places , accessed February 12, 2020.