Philadelphia's History in Steering the Nations Politics

Declaring Independence

• The first organized grumblings of discontent with the British crown bubbled up when delegates from 12 colonies assembled in Carpenters’ Hall for the First Continental Congress in 1774. The contentious meeting resulted in a defiant trade embargo against England and inspired Patrick Henry’s fiery oratory. An acclaimed example of Georgian architecture, Carpenter’s Hall still displays the delegates’ chairs, and the original banner carried during the 1788 Constitutional parade. 320 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-0167, carpentershall.org
• Each night, after delegates argued and debated their next move against King George, Thomas Jefferson retired to his rented rooms in the home of Jacob Graff to contemplate the colony's future. In what is known as the Declaration (Graff) House, Jefferson drafted the world’s most influential documents, the Declaration of Independence. 7^th & Market Streets, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• Risking “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor,” 56 courageous men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall, defying both the blistering summer heat of 1776 and the King of England to launch the colonies to independence. Eleven years later, representatives from 12 states convened to shape the U.S. Constitution, create a unified nation, and design a form of government never before seen. 520 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• When the British army occupied Philadelphia, under the protests of power couple Elizabeth and Mayor Samuel Powel, they took over the Powel House, relegating the couple to the servants’ quarters. Years later, delegates to the Continental Congress of 1787 continued their sometimes vehement debates at the Powel House as they framed the U.S. Constitution. The fourth amendment banning unreasonable search and seizure speaks directly to Powel’s experience. 244 S. 3^rd Street, (215) 627-0364, philalandmarks.org

A Fledgling Nation

• If the walls of Congress Hall could talk, they’d provide the lowdown on the debates that took place when representatives and senators from the fledgling nation assembled here. Located next to Independence Hall, the House of Representatives met on the first floor (Lower House), which looks for John Adams’ inauguration in 1797, with desks for 106 representatives from 16 states. The Senate convened on the second floor (Upper House) in more elaborate quarters that boast carpeting adorned with an American eagle encircled by the United States' seals. 6^th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• When the Yellow Fever epidemic swept through the city in 1793, President Washington evacuated Philadelphia. It moved government operations and residence to the Deshler-Morris House in Germantown, then a countryside retreat located about 10 miles from the city. He returned in 1794 using the home, known as the Germantown White House, as a summer escape. 5442 Germantown Avenue, (215) 596-1748, nps.gov
• One of the first rulings on states’ rights was decided at Old City Hall in 1793 when the Supreme Court heard Chisholm's case versus Georgia. At issue was whether they had jurisdiction over the state of Georgia and if “the people of the United States form a nation.” Ultimately, they agreed that Georgia was subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court. 5^th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• Before becoming a gallery featuring more than 100 portraits of 18^th- and 19^th-century political leaders, military officers, explorers, and scientists, the Second Bank of the United States, chartered by Congress in 1816, was the focal point of the banking wars between financier Nicholas Biddle and President Andrew Jackson. Strongly believing the bank was unconstitutional and a threat to republican ideals, Jackson’s anti-bank stance was a critical campaign issue and one reason he defeated opponent Henry Clay. Chestnut Street between 4^th & 5^th Streets, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• America’s favorite Founding Father was also one of the most politically adroit. At the Benjamin Franklin Museum, visitors can follow the statesman/diplomat/inventor's life and influence governmental policy in America and abroad. 317 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
   

An Evolving Country

• Independence Square has long been the focus of individuals and groups exercising their First Amendment right to address politically charged topics. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass spoke on Independence Square, as did Susan B. Anthony interrupted the Fourth of July centennial celebration to deliver the Women’s Declaration. And the first organized gay rights demonstration occurred in front of Independence Hall. Between 5^th & 6^th Streets and Chestnut & Walnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• The paradox of a nation fighting for its freedom while allowing the practice of slavery is told in The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Marking of a New Nation. Built on the remains of the executive mansion where President George Washington resided and held nine enslaved people, the open-air memorial utilizes timelines, videos, and archaeological fragments to depict this powerful and challenging story. 600 Market Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• The Liberty Bell Center recounts the powerful history of the world’s most famous bell, from summoning lawmakers to the session and alerting citizens of public meetings to serving as an international symbol of freedom and justice. The inscription “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof” inspired abolitionists in their quest to eliminate slavery, suffragists in their fight for women’s rights, and other leaders in their fight for civil rights. 526 Market Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov
• At the National Constitution Center, visitors experience artifacts, live performances, interactive exhibits, and special exhibitions, including one of 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights. It’s the only institution in America where people of all perspectives across the country and around the globe can debate, celebrate and educate themselves about the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org

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