Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A National Historic Site in Journalism
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 5, 2022
1. A National Historic Site in Journalism Marker
From a newspaper printing press on this site, the Declaration of Independence first went out to Americans and the world working from a copy of Thomas Jefferson's manuscript, editor John Dunlap printed broadside copies which were sent July 5, 1776, to all American assemblies and to Europe.
On July 8, he published the Declaration on the front page of the "Pennsylvania Packet," or the "General Advertiser," a weekly newspaper he founded October 28, 1771. Under Dunlap and a later partner, David C. Claypoole, the "packet" became the first successful daily newspaper in the United States beginning September 21, 1784. It was also the first newspaper to publish the Constitution of the United States, September 19, 1787, and Washington's Farewell Address, September 19, 1796.
Both editors were soldiers of the Revolution.
Erected 1976 by The Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Communications • Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington,
this page online
Location. 39° 56.986′ N, 75° 8.614′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. It is on Market Street (County Road 2004) east of South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 134 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Benjamin Franklin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tun (within shouting distance
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 5, 2022
2. A National Historic Site in Journalism Marker
Photographed by Jules C
3. A National Historic Site in Journalism Marker
July 2026
Photographed by Jules C
4. A National Historic Site in Journalism Marker with Path to Democracy Mural
July 2026
Photographed by Jules C
5. A National Historic Site in Journalism Marker with Path to Democracy Mural
Looking east along Market Street towards the SEPTA 2nd Street Station entrance, July 2026
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 682 times since then and 137 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 5, 2026, by Jc of Philadelphia, Usa.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clear, daylight photo of the marker. • Clear, daylight photo of the marker in context. • Can you help?
