Independence Hall

Philadelphia, PA, United States

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most iconic landmarks in American history, revered as the birthplace of the United States. Completed in 1753 and originally known as the Pennsylvania State House, this Georgian-style building served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.

Eleven years later, in the same Assembly Room, delegates gathered once again to draft and sign the U.S. Constitution, laying the foundation for the nation's government and legal framework. The building’s architecture reflects the ideals of the Enlightenment, with its symmetry, proportion, and emphasis on natural light. Inside, the Assembly Room remains arranged as it was during the Constitutional Convention, complete with George Washington’s “rising sun” chair and other period furnishings.

Across the hall, the Supreme Court Chamber once hosted Pennsylvania’s highest court, where early legal precedents were set in the fledgling republic. Today, Independence Hall is part of Independence National Historical Park and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore its storied rooms through guided tours, gaining insight into the debates, compromises, and bold decisions that shaped a nation.