Independence Hall

Address	Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets
Admissions	Free
Hours	9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Phone	215-597-8974
Website	www.nps.gov/inde/

Independence Hall is best known for its role in shaping the nation. However, it is important to remember that Independence Hall (originally called the Pennsylvania State House) served as the seat of government for the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania long before and long after Philadelphia functioned as the United States Capital.

England’s heavy taxation and, sometimes, brutal treatment of the American colonists pushed the majority of colonials in favor of independence. After repeated attempts to petition England for independence failed, the Second Continental Congress was convened at Independence Hall in May 1775. The result was the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, which was officially adopted on July 4th, 1776. Congress acted quickly and appointed George Washington the commander of the Continental Army. The Declaration of Independence was delivered to the new nation on July 8th in Independence Square.

Congress met again in 1787 at Independence Hall to debate, draft and sign the United States Constitution.

Time slotted tickets are provided in the morning on a first come first serve basis. If you’re on a tight schedule, you may want to reserve your tickets in advance by calling the ticket office.