Need Some America 101? Explore Philadelphia’s Rich History! CheapOair Staff July 25, 2016 Arts & History, Interests, Top US Destinations, Travel Guide Even if you’re not a political junkie, you’re probably aware of the historical importance that Philadelphia has in the United States. Just because of that, many are more than happy to add the “City of Brotherly Love” to their travel plans or even have it down as a must-see on their itinerary. In case you were wondering whether you should go…yes, you definitely should! Founded in 1682, good ol’ Philly is one of the oldest cities in the United States and it uniquely captures a wealth of Americana, from the historical to the cultural, that draws visitors from all around the world every year. But, why is Philadelphia historically important? Well, if you’re looking to get some solid learning about America, then let’s just say this is the place to be! Independence Hall The name of this prestigious, red-brick Georgian-style building says it all. Built in 1732 and completed in 1748, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were discussed, drafted, and finally signed by many of the founding fathers, some of whom now appear on United States currency. It’s where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams debated the concept of a free nation during the peak of colonialism. Surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Articles of Confederation can be found in the Hall’s Great Essentials Exhibit. Liberty Bell Center Across the street from Independence Hall is the iconic cracked Liberty Bell, which is part of Independence Hall National Park, an area of the city protected by the National Park Service. Weighing in at 2,080 pounds and made primarily of copper with arsenic, zinc, gold, and silver, the bell was used to notify citizens about public meetings and to mark historic events. The bell cracked in 1846 as it chimed in celebration of the late George Washington’s birthday and was taken out of commission. The bell has been in its current home at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historic Park since 2003. Philadelphia Mint Hear that jingling of coins in your pocket? Ever wonder how all those pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are made? The U.S. Mint Philadelphia Facility is one of six U.S. mint facilities, and one of two in the country offering full-scale tours. Philadelphia’s mint was the first site to create a U.S. coin in 1793, when the city briefly served as America’s capital, and when blacksmiths made coins by hand. At the Philadelphia Mint, visitors can learn about the craftsmanship behind everyday pocket change, and see how designs go into the striking and creation of American coins. Philadelphia Museum of Art Entering the Philadelphia Museum of Art is like entering a Greek temple. Follow the steps that Sylvester Stallone ran up in the 1976 boxing classic Rocky and enter the home to one of America’s finest collections of classic and contemporary art masterpieces. The museums boasts masterworks by many of the finest artists in history, including Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Mary Cassatt. The museum often features touring exhibits and maintains a 16th-century Indian Temple Hall, a Japanese Ceremonial Teahouse, and a Chinese culture exhibit year-round. Museum of the American Revolution Located just a few blocks from other historic sites like Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution is a great stop on your legacy tour of Philadelphia. It’s filled with objects, exhibits, films, texts, and replicas of important figures and conflicts from the period, including the battles of the Revolutionary War. Notably, however, the museum’s focus extends beyond the conflict and into the entire cultural consciousness of those days. You won’t just learn about men and their muskets, but also about women’s suffrage and the role of African-Americans in founding Philadelphia. The museum provides valuable insight into why the city was so essential for America’s rise to independence on every front. Franklin Court The “ghost structure” echoes the remnants of Benjamin Franklin’s home. Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was a proud Philadelphian? He lived in the city almost his entire life, and many local monuments still celebrate his legacy, including Franklin Court. It’s a “ghost structure” that outlines the remnants of his 1700s home, and considering that it was also the site of his death, its slightly eerie feeling is rather appropriate. Viewing portals offer visitors glimpses of how Franklin’s home would have appeared in its day. The Benjamin Franklin Museum is also on site, offering everything from animated displays to hands-on exhibits where you can fiddle with vintage gears and mechanical systems. Other attractions of note include full-scale replicas of 18th century post offices and printing presses. All in all, if you’re an admirer of Mr. Franklin and the many things that he accomplished in his lifetime, you won’t want to miss the sites that Philadelphia has preserved for him! Underground Railroad Museum & Belmont Mansion Philadelphia was an important juncture on the Underground Railroad. It attracted many abolitionists, including the 17th century Quakers, and it was home to Harriet Tubman herself for more than a decade. Today, you can make the most out of booking cheap vacation packages to visit a number of sites within the city that were significant to America’s earliest freedom fighters. The Belmont Mansion, for example, was where abolitionist Richard Peters penned his famous judicial rulings opposing the Fugitive Slave Act. The mansion is also known as the Underground Railroad Museum since parts have been converted into galleries and showcases of letters, artifacts, and paintings relating to the anti-slavery movement. Whether you’re interested in Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, or African-American history in general, Philadelphia was a central hub for abolitionist activity, and its landmarks can provide authentic lenses into the past. You may also like: This Independence Day, Visit the Homes of Our Founding Fathers Arch Street Meeting House Women were a force to be reckoned with during Philadelphia’s rise, and many feminist trailblazers used the city as a home base. You’ve already heard about Harriet Tubman, but another notable name was Lucretia Mott, a female Quaker minister who founded the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. An outspoken feminist, abolitionist, and advocate for equality, Lucretia Mott fought for freedom on all sides. She often hosted meetings at the Arch Street Meeting House with white and black women from all across Philadelphia. The meeting house is still in use today by practicing Quakers, but it’s also been designated a National Historic Landmark, and visitors eager to book cheap flights to Philadelphia are more than welcome to tour it like a museum. You can explore exhibits, burial grounds, and places of worship. All will give you a better idea of how Lucretia Mott and her fellow women fought for equality in the 19th century. Did we miss an important spot for visitors to Philadelphia? Let us know in our comments section below!
