William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Declaration House
Independence National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
This site, away from the noise and bustle of the city, provided Thomas Jefferson with living and working space while he attended the sessions of the Continental Congress in 1776. Here he drafted the Declaration of Independence.
[Captions:]
The Gratz family owned the building through much of the 1800s. They made many modifications to the original home. In 1883, the building was torn down.
Other owners later held title to the property, including the Penn National Bank. Noted architect Frank Furness designed the granite bank building.
A popular launch spot stood on this busy intersection in the 1940s.
The National Park Service reconstructed the home to its 1776 appearance the Bicentennial.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 39° 57.041′ N, 75° 9.13′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Graff House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Declaration House (here, next to this marker); "…it was intended to be an expression of the American mind…" (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Declaration House (within shouting distance of this marker); American Pharmaceutical Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Rohm and Haas [Headquarters] (within shouting distance of this marker); Bicentennial Dawn, Philadelphia (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 6th & Market (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
