Philadelphia is filled with historic sites that bring America’s fight for independence from Britain to life, such as many locations where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.
Betsy Ross House on Arch Street was home to Betsy Ross, an American upholsterer credited with sewing the original American flag. Now considered a national historic site, its home offers guided and self-guided tours for visitors alike.
The Powel House
One of Philadelphia’s most fascinating historical sites is Betsy Ross’s home where she created America’s inaugural flag. Costumed actors now provide tours through this Georgian house where Betsy lived and designed it.
Samuel Powel served as Philadelphia’s last mayor under British control and its inaugural one under American governance, earning him the moniker “Patriotic Mayor.” His wife Elizabeth hosted salons that attracted such notable figures as George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams for debates regarding republic versus monarchy systems.
The Hill-Physick House
Established for America’s Bicentennial celebrations, this specialty museum provides an intriguing window into Jewish American history. Explore its parlors – once owned by a wealthy wine importer who later became one of Philadelphia’s earliest surgeons – before taking in one of America’s Bicentennial exhibits.
Backtrack through time by strolling this beautifully preserved cobblestone street that once belonged to many early residents of Philadelphia. Some of its most notable settlers, including Betsy Ross (whose grave may still be open) and Christ Church Burial Ground are all interred here.
City Hall
History lovers won’t want to miss seeing this magnificent Second Empire building from America’s early days – where civic meetings played an essential part in shaping its foundation. Join a guided tour and gain more insight into its significant role in founding our nation!
Nothing stands as a symbol of Philadelphia’s call for brotherly love like the Liberty Bell at City Hall, and it’s well worth taking some time to learn its lore and historical facts.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Edgar Allan Poe is often associated with Baltimore; however, he actually resided for six years in Philadelphia where he wrote some of his iconic works including The Tell-Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Poe’s residence on North 7th Street still stands today and serves as a small museum, offering visitors an insight into his life as an American literary figure. Additionally, there is a reading room and various exhibits related to Poe.
Christ Church
Christ Church is one of the city’s premier historical attractions and stands as a National Historic Landmark, having hosted the signing and announcement of America’s Declaration of Independence. Annually 250,000 visitors visit it – it also marks America’s Episcopal Church birth and boasts an amazing steeple built by Benjamin Franklin using lottery proceeds raised from lottery sales!
Christ Church served as an early American worship center, attended by numerous influential individuals such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross – with brass plaques commemorating their pews of attendance.
The Rosenbach Museum and Library
Tucked away inside two townhomes near Rittenhouse Square lies one of the world’s great collections of manuscripts, literature and rare books assembled by the Rosenbach brothers. Treasures in their possession include Lewis Carroll’s original copy of Alice in Wonderland as well as handwritten manuscripts for Ulysses by Joyce and the oldest extant letter from George Washington himself – along with Persian rugs, 18th century furniture and Thomas Sully paintings – some truly spectacular treasures that could make anyone jealous!
This library boasts Marianne Moore’s entire living room, extensive archives, drafts of memoirs and poetry as well as drafts for her memoirs and poetry collections – truly making it an irreplaceable literary treasure! The Rosenbach is truly remarkable.
The Mutter Museum
The Mutter Museum is not for the faint of heart, as its collection of medical curiosities includes a megacolon formed in the colon of an individual performing as Balloon Man and two men afflicted with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (which causes connective tissue to turn into bone) is unsettling to say the least.
Philly historic sites of note include Betsy Ross House on Arch Street, where this American upholsterer is widely recognized for designing and sewing the original US flag. Also check out Christ Church Burial Ground; four signers of the Declaration of Independence rest here.
The Rodin Museum
One of Philadelphia’s premier museums boasts timeless Rodin masterpieces such as The Gates of Hell, Kiss and Walking Man as well as many studies and models used to craft these sculptures. Additionally, this museum also showcases studies and models used during his creation process for these timeless creations.
Elfreth’s Alley is one of America’s oldest preserved cobblestone streets and provides a glimpse of life during the 18th century for tradesman such as blacksmiths and artisans, and houses the home of one of America’s first abolitionists, Lucretia Mott.
