PA -- Philadelphia -- Independence NHP -- Independence Square (exteriors):
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- Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
- IND_080831_012.JPG: The President's House Site 1790-1800:
President George Washington called the elegant three-story brick mansion that once stood on this spot [where the visitor center is now] "the best single house in the city." Both Presidents Washington (1790-1797) and John Adams (1797-1800) lived and worked in this house, which was rented from financier Robert Morris. Washington's large household, including enslaved African descendents, contrasted with Adams' small household. Adams never owned slaves.
The President's house in the 1790s was a mirror of the young republic, reflecting both the ideals and contradictions of the new nation. The house stood in the shadow of Independence Hall, where the words "All men are created equal" and "We the People" were adopted, but they did not apply to all who lived in the new United States of America.
Independence National Historical Park is working with the community to interpret the President's House Site and to commemorate the enslaved African descendents who lived and toiled there. A permanent exhibit will be created on this open site near the entrance to the Liberty Bell Center.
Records show that Washington and his family slept over the kitchen. His servants, including the enslaved African descendents, slept in the former smokehouse and throughout the property. Adams left no record of how he used the house.
Hercules, Washington's enslaved cook, presided in the kitchen and was considered one of the best chefs in America. In 1797, Hercules successfully seized his freedom. With the help of Philadelphia's large free African community, Oney Judge, Martha Washington's enslaved servant, escaped to freedom from here.
- IND_080831_044.JPG: These are small scale site plans to help the blind get a better understanding of Independence National Historical Park.
- IND_080831_066.JPG: First Bank of the United States.
"Most of the important measures of every government are connected with the treasury." -- Alexander Hamilton, 1792
The strength and grandeur of the architecture of the Bank of the United States reflects the dominance of Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Department in the new Federal government in the 1790s.
By 1797 when the bank was completed, this part of the city had become an enclave for the Treasury Department, the largest agency of the government. In an office across the street and to your right, the Secretary of the Treasury formulated financial policy. Lesser officials worked in rented offices up and down this street examining accounts, keeping records, reviewing claims, and receiving and disbursing funds.
The exterior of the bank building has been restored. The bank is not open to the public, except for special exhibitions.
The First Bank of the United States was constructed between 1794 and 1797 to the designs of Samuel Blodger, a merchant and economist. The First Bank, which functioned like a modern Federal Reserve Bank, was the cornerstone of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's financial plan.
In 1811, Stephen Girard brought the bank after Congress failed to renew the bank's charter. Following the 1831 death of Stephen Girard, the building became the Girard Bank of Philadelphia. The bank's interior was extensively remodeled from 1901-1902. Many outside changes also occurred including the replacement of the wood cornice with a galvanized sheet metal cornice.
In the 1960s, the National Park Service restored the exterior to its 1790s appearance. The work included the removal of a building addition, restoration of the original roof and window configuration, and replacement of the sheet metal cornice with a wood cornice on the Third Street elevation. This project replaced the remaining deteriorated metal cornice with a new fiberglass cornice.
IN the future, the building will be the new home of the Civil War Museum.
- IND_080831_095.JPG: The older visitor center, which is only used for archeological stuff now
- IND_080831_117.JPG: Replacing the metal cornice work on the First American Bank
- IND_080831_119.JPG: Merchants' Exchange Building
- IND_080831_137.JPG: A Working-Class House in the Capital City:
"Wealth makes all the distinction of classes in Philadelphia."
-- Duc de la Rochefouchault-Liancourt, 1783.
The house of a workman stood here in the late 1700s when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States. Its location is marked by the brick square in front of you. The house had only two rooms and an attic, each on top of the other. Houses like this often served as both residence and workplace.
A shoemaker, a turner, a coachman, a tavernkeeper, and a coppersmith -- each in turn -- lived here during a ten-year period. Like eight of ten Philadelphians, they rented rather than owned their own houses.
Today the house is gone, and few traces of its occupants remain. Their belongings were inexpensive and commonplace, things easily discarded. No one wrote their biographies. Rarely did their names stand out in history. Yet they made up the vast majority of Philadelphia's population.
- IND_080831_150.JPG: Drawing Dock Creek:
Winifred Lutz, Artist:
Drawing Dock Creek is a temporary contemporary art installation of tinted whitewash and lime that passes over grass, brick, and cobblestone.
The hand-painting markings, extending over a two-block area, trace the path of a tidal stream that flowed here until it became "a foul, uncovered sewer" in the late 18th century. Pollution from waste tanneries, and slaughterhouses forced the city to bury it.
We invite you to walk along this artist-made "creek." Visit again in September 2008 when 48,000 feet of vibrant blue elastic, held in place by over 6,300 anchor points, will be stretched across the swale of the dry creek bed, marking the surface of the creek.
- IND_080831_158.JPG: Carpenters' Hall
Following in the footsteps of the First Continental Congress and discover historic Carpenters' Hall, showcase for the 18th century building trades and design.
- IND_080831_165.JPG: First Continental Congress:
"The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, New Englanders, are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American." -- Patrick Henry, Carpenters' Hall, 1774
In 1774, the American colonies felt threatened. Their grievances against Great Britain were being ignored. Was it finally time for resistance, or was reconciliation still possible?
The First Continental Congress met here in Carpenters' Hall in the autumn of 1774 to choose a course of action. Led by John and Sam Adams, and inspired by the fiery speeches of Patrick Henry, representatives of the Colonies united to defend American rights. They appealed to the King and the British people to repeal unjust laws and taxes. They condemned the closing of the port of Boston, and pledged not to trade with Britain.
Before adjourning, the Congress resolved that another congress be held the following May if their grievances were not redressed. By the time this Second Continental Congress convened, blood had already been shed at Lexington and Concord.
- IND_080831_166.JPG: Carpenters' Hall:
"... for the purpose of obtaining instruction in the science of architecture and assisting such of their members as should by accident be in need of support, or the widows and minor children of members..."
-- By-laws of the Carpenters' Company
Carpenters' Hall, completed in 1774, was the meeting place of a group of Philadelphia master builders known as the Carpenters' Company. The Carpenters banded together to establish architectural standards, to set prices for work, and to aid members' families in times of need.
A visitor to Philadelphia in the 1700s would have seen many buildings designed and constructed by members of the Carpenters' Company, including the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), Old City Hall, The Pennsylvania Hospital, Benjamin Franklin's mansion, and their own Carpenters' Hall.
The Carpenters aided the leaders of the American Revolution by offering them the use of Carpenters' Hall. It was here that the First Continental Congress gathered in 1774 to air their grievances against Great Britain.
Carpenters' Hall is a part of Independence National Historical Park, but is still owned and operated by the Carpenters' Company. Visitors are welcome during scheduled hours.
- IND_080831_181.JPG: Second Bank of the United States
"The portico of the glorious edifice... always repays me for coming to Philadelphia."
-- Philip Hone, 1838.
Here stands the Second Bank of the United States. Established in 1816 to hold government deposits and regulate currency, it dominated American finance for more than a decade.
The temple-like bank had both priests and heretics. Bank President Nicholas Biddle preached the value of the bank, while U.S. President Andrew Jackson decried it as a "hydra of corruption." The "temple" was looted of its treasure when Jackson vetoed the recharter of the bank, distributing government deposits to smaller banks.
Now, long after the passions of finance and philosophy have subsided, we recognize the architecture -- not the institution -- as the real treasure of the Bank. Designed by William Strickland, it has been called the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the United States.
- IND_080831_196.JPG: Robert Morris (1734-1806):
Financier of the Revolution:
Robert Morris risked his life, wealth, and reputation to help create the United States of America. A patriot, he signed the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution.
An immigrant orphaned at 16, Robert Morris became a partner in a leading Philadelphia mercantile firm, the Willing & Morris Company, by the age of 22. The company traded throughout Europe, America, and the West Indies. Like many merchants, their cargo included grain, animal hides, and enslaved Africans.
During the Revolutionary War, Morris used his genius for finance and his maritime trading connections to secure vital funds and supplies for the Continental Army.
As Superintendent of Finance (1781-1784), Morris rescued the new nation from financial ruin. He stabilized the economy by creating the first national bank, a model for our modern banking system. As one of the first U.S. senators from Pennsylvania (1789-1795), Morris was instrumental in making Philadelphia the temporary capital during the construction of Washington, DC.
One of the wealthiest men in America, Morris speculated heavily in land. Overextended, he fell into bankruptcy and spent three years in debtors' prison. Robert Morris lived modestly until his death in 1806, while the new nation he did so much to create prospered and grew.
Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. Robert Morris made his large, elegant home near Sixth and Market Streets available to President George Washington. From this house, which served as both residence and office, the president directed the affairs of the executive branch of the United States.
- IND_080831_210.JPG: A Street Scene in the Capital City
The building at the corner of Library Street is a quaint and substantial example of the old style architecture where substance and solidity were objects of the first importance.
-- Public Ledger, April 20, 1887
Close by the Pennsylvania State House and other important government buildings were vibrant neighborhoods which mixed the elegant with the mundane.
This historic print depicts the street in front of you in 1799, at the close of the decade when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States. Side by side with the stately public buildings and the brick houses of the wealthy were the small wooden homes of the working class. Next to Library Hall stood the unpainted shanty of a craftsman.
None of the original buildings in the drawing survive. Library Hall, with the statue of Franklin above the door has been reconstructed.
- IND_080831_223.JPG: Independence Square:
"... The said ground shall be enclosed and remain a public open green and walks forever."
-- Act of Pennsylvania Assembly, 1735
The State House Yard, now known as Independence Square, was the scene of both turmoil and tranquility in the late 1700s.
One the eve of the American Revolution, Philadelphia citizens gathered here for mass meetings to protest British policies. As protests turned to war, soldiers drilled and drums echoes, disturbing the deliberations of the Continental Congress inside the State House. The most important result of those deliberations was the Declaration of Independence which was first read in public here in the State House Yard on July 8, 1776.
The scene was quite different when the Constitutional Convention convened in 1787. The sounds of war had faded, and the courtyard had become a peaceful garden. Winding walkways, grassy mounds, and a rich variety of trees and bushed provided a tranquil setting for the founding of the new government.
- IND_080831_263.JPG: Independence Square
- AAA "Gem": AAA considers this location to be a "must see" point of interest. To see pictures of other areas that AAA considers to be Gems, click here.
- Wikipedia Description: Independence Hall (United States)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Independence Hall is a U.S. national landmark located inside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. Known primarily as the location where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted, the building was completed in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House for the Province of Pennsylvania. It became the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and United States Constitution were all signed at Independence Hall. The building is now part of the larger Independence National Historical Park and listed as a World Heritage Site.
Independence Hall is a red brick building, built between 1732 and 1753, and designed in the Georgian style by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton, and built by Woolley. Its building was commissioned by the Pennsylvania colonial legislature and it was initially inhabited by the colonial government of Pennsylvania as their State House. Two smaller buildings adjoin Independence Hall: to the east is Old City Hall, and to the west is Congress Hall. These three buildings are together on a city block known as Independence Square, along with Philosophical Hall, the original home of the American Philosophical Society.
Liberty Bell:
The bell tower steeple of Independence Hall was the original home of the "Liberty Bell" and today it holds a "Centennial Bell" that was created for the United States Centennial Exposition in 1876. The original Liberty Bell, with the distinctive crack, is now on display across the street in the Liberty Bell Center. In 1976 Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain visited Philadelphia and presented a gift to the American people of a replica Bicentennial Bell, which was cast in the same British foundry as the original. This 1976 bell hangs in the modern bell tower located on 3rd Street near Independence Hall.
Declaration of Independence & Second Continental Congress:
From 1775 to 1783, it served as the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress, a body of representatives from each of the thirteen British North American colonies. The Declaration of Independence was approved there on July 4, 1776, though the vote was held two days earlier and the Declaration was read aloud to the public in the area now known as Independence Square. This historic document unified the colonies in North America who declared themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain and explained their justifications for doing so. These historic events are celebrated annually with a national holiday for U.S. Independence Day.
On June 14, 1775, delegates of the Continental Congress nominated George Washington as commander of the Continental Army—defeating John Hancock in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall. The Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin to be the first Postmaster General of what would later become the United States Post Office Department on July 26.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed to the Continental Congress a resolution calling for a Declaration of Independence on June 7, 1776. The final version of the document is written July 2 (despite minor revisions) and finally, the United States Declaration of Independence is ratified on July 4, 1776 and the new, United States declares independence from the British Empire.
During September of 1777, Philadelphia was occupied by the British Army, and the Continental Congress was forced to abandon the State House and flee to York, Pennsylvania where the Articles of Confederation were approved in November of 1777. The Congress returned on July 2, 1778, after the end of the British occupation.
U.S. Constitution and the Philadelphia Capital Building:
In September 1786, commissioners from five states met in the Annapolis Convention to discuss adjustments to the Articles of Confederation that would improve commerce. They invited state representatives to convene in Philadelphia to discuss improvements to the federal government. After debate, the Congress of the Confederation endorsed the plan to revise the Articles of Confederation on February 21, 1787. Twelve states, Rhode Island being the only exception, accepted this invitation and sent delegates to convene in June 1787 at Independence Hall.
The resolution calling the Convention specified its purpose was to propose amendments to the Articles, but the Convention decided to propose a rewritten Constitution. The Philadelphia Convention voted to keep deliberations secret, and to keep the Hall's windows shut throughout the hot summer. The result was the drafting of a new fundamental government design. On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was completed, and took effect on March 4, 1789, when the new Congress met for the first time in New York's Federal Hall.
In 1790, the Congress moved back into Philadelphia and first met in Congress Hall, mere footsteps away from Independence Hall, on December 6. Philadelphia would remain the seat of the federal government until 1800, where it made its permanent home in Washington, DC. During this time Independence Hall served as the Capitol Building with executive offices, while the Supreme Court assembled in Old City Hall and the Congress continued to meet in Congress Hall.
Recent events:
On October 18, 1918, Tomáš Masaryk proclaimed the independence of Czechoslovakia on the steps of Independence Hall.
In 1948, the interior of the building was restored to its original appearance. Independence National Historical Park was established by the 80th U.S. Congress later that year to preserve historical properties associated with the American Revolution. Independence National Historical Park is made up of a landscaped area of four city blocks, and outlying sites that include: Independence Square, Carpenters' Hall (meeting place of the First Continental Congress), the site of Benjamin Franklin's home, the reconstructed Graff House (where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence), City Tavern (center of revolutionary-war activities), restored period residences, and early banks. The park also holds the Liberty Bell, Franklin's desk, a portrait gallery, gardens, and libraries. A product of extensive documentary research and archaeology by the federal government, the restoration of Independence Hall and other buildings in the park set standards for other historic preservation and stimulated rejuvenation of old Philadelphia.The site is administered by the National Park Service, and it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (joining only three other U.S. man-made monuments still in use, the others being the Statue of Liberty, Pueblo de Taos, and the combined site of the University of Virginia and Monticello).
On July 4, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave an address here on Independence Day, 1962. Independence Hall has been used in more recent times as the staging ground for protests because of its symbolic history in support of democratic and civil rights movements. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are now protected in a secure zone with entry at security screening buildings.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, as part of a national effort to safeguard historical monuments by the United States Department of Homeland Security, pedestrian travel around Independence Square and part of Independence Mall were restricted by temporary bicycle barriers and park rangers. In 2006, the U.S. National Park Service proposed installing a seven-foot security fence around Independence Hall and bisecting Independence Square, a plan that met with opposition from Philadelphia city officials, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and Senator Arlen Specter. As of January 2007, the National Park Service plan was revised to eliminate the fence in favor of movable bollards and chains, and also to remove at least some of the temporary barriers to pedestrians and visitors.
Independence Hall is pictured on the back of the U.S. $100 bill, as well as the bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. The Assembly Room is pictured on the reverse side of the U.S. two dollar bill, from the original painting by John Trumbull entitled Declaration of Independence.
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