William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Independence Hall
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
1. Independence Hall Marker
No stranger ever comes to Philadelphia without paying a visit to this structure, and no public edifice exists among us, which is cherished so warmly in the feelings of the citizens.
Views of Philadelphia, 1838
The building in front of you was built between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania. Today it is known as Independence Hall, an international symbol of government by the people.
Two great documents took shape here. The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, set forth the founding principles of the new nation. Eleven years later, in 1787, these principles were embodied in the United States Constitution, now the oldest written constitution in the world.
Interest in the preservation of Independence Hall as a symbol of American ideals has grown. In 1816 Philadelphian saved the old State House from impending demolition. In 1948 the U.S. Congress made this building the centerpiece of a new National Historical Park. Finally, in 1980, Independence Hall was designated a World Heritage Site.
Erected by Independence National Historical Park.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics
this page online
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 56.921′ N, 75° 9.012′ W. Marker was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It was in William Penn Annex East. It could be reached from South Independence Mall West. Marker is in the center of Independence Square. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 111 S Independence Mall W, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Southeast Pennsylvania. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Restoring an Icon (a few steps from this marker); The Challenges of Preservation (a few steps from this marker); West Wing - Independence Hall (within shouting
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
2. Independence Hall Marker
Independence Hall can be seen behind the marker.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Independence Square (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . UNESCO World Heritage Site, Independence Hall. (Submitted on November 14, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
3. Independence Hall Marker
Painting on Marker
Congress voting independence in the Assembly Room on July 4, 1776. Painting by Edward Savage, based on a canvas by Robert E. Pine. Courtesy Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Details in the painting were used by the National Park Service in restoring Independence Hall.
Congress voting independence in the Assembly Room on July 4, 1776. Painting by Edward Savage, based on a canvas by Robert E. Pine. Courtesy Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Details in the painting were used by the National Park Service in restoring Independence Hall.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
4. Independence Hall Marker
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
5. Independence Hall
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
6. Courtroom of Independence Hall
The accused stood inside the railing and the jury sat in the benches to the left.
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
7. Signing Room
The Continental Congress met in this room and adopted the Declaration of Independence. The only original item is the Rising Sun chair occupied by the President.
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
8. The Long Gallery on the second floor of Independence Hall
The second floor is only open during the month of July.
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
9. The Long Gallery on the second floor of Independence Hall
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
10. Map Display in Long Gallery
The walls contain maps of each of the colonies.
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
11. Center window from the stairway to the second floor.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,115 times since then and 64 times this year. Last updated on November 14, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on July 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on July 31, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on July 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
