Philadelphia, PA
Best Historic Sites (Attractions & Activities)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Betsy Ross House |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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239 Arch St, Philadelphia 19106-1915 • 215-686-1252
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Description:
OLD CITY. Built in the mid 1700s, this Georgian-style house was owned by the Widow Lithgow, who rented rooms in it to Betsy Ross and her husband, from 1773-1786. They ran an upholstery business out of this house, and in 1776, Betsy sewed the first US flag here. Fully restored in the 1930s, today the house is one of Philadelphia's most visited attractions. Betsy Ross is buried in the adjacent courtyard. The gift shop offers Betsy memorabilia and flag souvenirs, books, and toys. |
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Carpenters' Hall |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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320 Chestnut St, Philadelphia 19106 • 215-925-0167
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Description:
OLD CITY. Most people recognize Carpenters' Hall as the site of the first Continental Congress, but this early 1700s building has a lot more history. It housed Ben Franklin's Library Company and his American Philosophical Company, as well as banks, an auction house, a music school, and the Franklin institute. The first US bank robbery happened at Carpenters' Hall in 1798, and it was the first privately owned building to be opened to the public as a historical monument. Very interesting exhibits explore the entire history of the building and the Carpenters' Company. |
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Christ Church Burial Ground |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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5th and Arch Sts, Philadelphia 19106 • 215-922-1695
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Description:
OLD CITY. This cemetery is a veritable who's who of early America. Benjamin Franklin is buried here, along with four other signers or the Declaration of Independence. Wander through the cemetery, and you'll also spot markers for historic leaders in the fields of medicine, politics, and academics. The tradition of tossing a penny through the formerly locked gates to honor Franklin continues, and informative walking tours of the site are offered daily. |
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Christ Church Episcopal Philadelphia |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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20 N American St, Philadelphia 19106-4592 • 215-922-1695
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Description:
OLD CITY. You can stroll through Franklin Court to get to the Christ Church, which was the place of worship for George Washington, Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin. Still in use today, the late 1700s building is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country. Historical talks and tours of the church and burial ground are offered daily. |
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User Rating: 8
/ 10 |
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Declaration House |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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7th & Market St, Philadelphia • 215-597-8974
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Description:
OLD CITY. Also known as the Graff House, this is a faithful 1975 recreation of the original, which was demolished in 1883. Thomas Jefferson rented two rooms in the home, and wrote the Declaration of Independence there over a three-week period in June 1776. A must-see for history buffs. |
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Eastern State Penitentiary |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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2124 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia 19130 • 215-236-5111
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Description:
MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. The most expensive and advanced prison of its time, Eastern Pen opened in 1829. It used the then-revolutionary concept of solitary cells that permitted no contact whatsoever among prisoners, and although physical punishment was used much less frequently than at some other prisons, when prisoners broke the rules they would still be subjected to various tortures like the water bath and the iron gag. The place was shut down in the 1970s, but is today a National Historic Landmark and major tourist attraction. Special themed tours are offered throughout the day, along with the annual "Terror Behind the Walls" tour. Children under age seven are not permitted. |
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Elfreth's Alley |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Between Front & 2nd St, Philadelphia 19106-2006 • 215-574-0560
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Description:
OLD CITY. Still a residential street, Elfreth's Alley was constructed in 1702 and is the oldest continuously inhabited street in the US. Two houses on the cobblestone street are open to the public – the Museum House and the Chairmakers House. You'll get a close-up look at the interiors, and learn about the architecture and history of the homes. During the summer, you'll enjoy historic reenactments and demonstrations, plus special events and festivals. In December, the "Deck the Alley" celebration features tours of some of the private residences. |
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User Rating: 9.5
/ 10 |
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Franklin Court Underground Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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314-322 Market St, Philadelphia • 267-519-4295
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Description:
CENTER CITY. The house where Benjamin Franklin once lived was demolished in the early 1800s, but a steel frame has been erected in its place, and underground is an informative museum. There are five other buildings on the site, including an operating post office, postal museum, and an 18th century printing shop. Located between 3rd & 4th Streets. |
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Historic Bartram's Garden |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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54th St and Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia 19143 • 215-729-5281
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Description:
WEST PHILLY. In addition to the oldest surviving botanical gardens in the country, this 45-acre site also features the original 1728 farmhouse (a National Historic Landmark), a 1775 stone barn, and several outbuildings. The grounds include an herb garden, wetlands area, wildflower meadow, butterfly and hummingbird garden, and a winding river trail. Perhaps the most well known botanical discovery by John and William Bartram is the Franklinia alatamaha tree, last seen in the wild in 1803; only because the Bartrams propagated it in the late 1700s is the tree still found in private gardens. |
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Independence Hall |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Chestnut St between 5th and 6th Sts, Philadelphia 19102 • 215-597-8974
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Description:
OLD CITY. Independence Hall is where Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and their rebellious compatriots approved and announced the Declaration of Independence. As if that event were not noteworthy enough, many returned some 11 years later to pen the U.S. Constitution. Consistent with the freedom that the building represents, admission is free, but timed tickets are required. Obtain them at the Independence Visitors Center on the day of your visit starting at 8:30am. Alternatively, you can arrange tickets in advance by calling the National Park Service reservation line at 800-967-2283. |
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