William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"…it was intended to be an expression of the American mind…"

Independence National Historical Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

“…it was intended to be an expression of the American mind…” Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

1. “…it was intended to be an expression of the American mind…” Marker

Inscription.
Thomas Jefferson resided at his site while drafting the Declaration of Independence. In little more than two weeks, Jefferson finished his timeless defense of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

While Jefferson labored over every word in the Declaration of Independence, his enslaved servant Bob Hemings provided for his needs. The words in the Declaration of Independence – “All men are created equal” – would later serve as a rallying cry for personal freedom in this nation and around the globe.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list.

Location. 39° 57.047′ N, 75° 9.133′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street and 7th Street, on the right when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Declaration House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Declaration House (a few steps from this marker); The Graff House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Declaration House (a few steps from 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); Siegmund Lubin (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

More about this marker. Pictures of the Declaration House bedroom and parlor appear on the marker. A portrait of Thomas Jefferson is at the upper right.

Additional keywords. enslaved labor; slave labor; slavery

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

2. “…it was intended to be an expression of the American mind…” Marker

Marker at the Declaration House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

3. Marker at the Declaration House

Marker in Philadelphia image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

4. Marker in Philadelphia

The marker can be seen on the fence to the right of the Declaration House.

Declaration House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

5. Declaration House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 424 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 25, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.