Independence Hall

Overview

Independence Hall is the red-brick Georgian building where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it is the most historically significant building in the United States.

Highlights

• Assembly Room: The exact room where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776.
• Rising Sun Chair: George Washington's chair during the Constitutional Convention, with its famous half-sun carving.
• UNESCO Status: One of fewer than 25 World Heritage Sites in the United States.

History

Built in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House, the building hosted the Second Continental Congress (1775–1783) and the Constitutional Convention (1787). It served as Pennsylvania's capitol until 1799 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Visitor Tips

• Free timed tickets are required March–December — reserve online at recreation.gov.
• Ranger-led tours run every 15–20 minutes and last about 30 minutes.
• Duration: 45–75 minutes.