William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Independence Hall
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 • Notable Buildings • Notable Events • Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1950.
Location. 39° 56.921′ N, 75° 9.012′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. Marker is in the center of Independence Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 S Independence Mall W, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Independence Square (a few steps from this marker); West Wing - Independence Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to the Soldiers and Patriots of the Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Independence Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Commodore John Barry, U. S. N. (within shouting distance of this marker); A Street Scene in the Capital City (within shouting distance of this marker); John F. Kennedy (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
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
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,576 times since then and 52 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.