Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park is a protected area in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that includes 18th-century historic sites and museum facilities distributed across several city blocks. Cobblestone streets run through the grounds, linking brick buildings with green spaces lined by trees.

Between 1776 and 1787, Philadelphia witnessed central events of the American Revolution, including the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. The park was established in the mid-20th century to protect these sites and make them accessible to the public.

The park takes its name from the events of 1776, and today it remains a place that Americans from all over the country visit to meet school groups and learn about the history of their nation. Visitors often notice the quiet mood around the Liberty Bell, where people from different countries stand before the symbol and take photographs.

The Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets offers free timed-entry tickets for guided tours of certain buildings. Most outdoor areas of the park are open to the public and can be explored without prior registration.

Franklin Court features an unusual design with glass structures that trace the outline of Benjamin Franklin's former residence in the ground. Below the square, a museum takes visitors through rooms displaying printing presses, personal items, and letters.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: June 28, 1948

Architects: Charles E. Peterson, Grant Miles Simon

Architectural style: colonial architecture, Federal architecture

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/inde

GPS coordinates: 39.94780,-75.14810

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24