“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

(Declaration of Independence – Thomas Jefferson)

These words (which always give me goosebumps) echo throughout Philadelphia, and most certainly along the hallowed walls of Independence Hall.  Seeing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell were two of the main reasons I wanted to visit Philadelphia.  I honestly believe that every American should visit these historic sites.

The guided tours are free, but you do need timed tickets to visit Independence Hall.

First we visited the courtroom in Independence Hall where the some of the early foundations for our judicial system were formed – trial by your peers in an open court.  (As you can see, I was in the back of the crowd.)

Be still my heart.  We were actually standing where Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams and the other 53 signers of the Declaration of Independence put forth their grievances against Great Britain.  Later they would meet in this room again to draft the Constitution of the United States of America.  Pretty heavy stuff.

This chair is referred to as “The Rising Sun Armchair.  At the top of the chair is a carved sun.   “George Washington used this chair for nearly three months of the Federal Convention’s continuous sessions. James Madison reported Benjamin Franklin saying, “I have often looked at that behind the president without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now I… know that it is a rising…sun.” (UShistory.org)  

Exhibits in the West Wing of the building display an original draft of the Constitution and the inkwell used when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Across the courtyard from Independence Hall is the Liberty Bell Center.  Tickets are not required here.

The Liberty Bell’s inscription
Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof Lev. XXV X
By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA [sic] for the State House in Philada

The words carry such meaning.  To me it is also fitting that the bell is cracked.  Like our nation it is not perfect, but it continues to proclaims Liberty.

The view of Independence Hall from inside the building was perfect.  I liked it.  I loved it.

Blessings to you and yours,

Honestly, the tours seemed much too short for such momentous events in our country’s history.  I want do-overs.