William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Preserving America's Treasures
Independence National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
From this spot, you can easily see Independence Hall with its bell tower and clock. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated, adopted and signed in this imposing 18th-century building.
The open space around you was once crowded with houses, businesses and stables. By the early 1900s the neighborhood had become run down. Local civic leaders led by Judge Edwin O. Lewis worked to protect Independence Hall and other historic buildings for the future. Thanks to their efforts, the United States Congress established Independence National Historical Park in 1948 as a unit of the National Park Service.
The creation of this national park sparked an urban renewal of the entire area. Many structures were demolished to protect important buildings like Independence Hall from fire. The green space on the Mall, redesigned in 2000, provides room for visitors.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.
Location. 39° 56.968′ N, 75° 9.005′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the Liberty Bell. (a few steps from this marker); Old City Hall / Independence Hall / Congress Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); James Forten, 1776 - 1842 / Ki-onTwog-Ky or Cornplanter, 1732/40 - 1836 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old City Hall / Independence Hall / Congress Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); John F. Kennedy (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to the Soldiers and Patriots of the Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); History Where You Least Expect It (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
