One of the questions that I get most often involves which are the top places to see in Historic or Old City Philadelphia.
There really is no definite answer to the inquiry. Without question, whether you're an area resident exploring your own backyard or a visitor to the region, there are a few places that you really must see. There are literally hundreds more that you can choose from. Philadelphia is the city where our nation began 225 years ago. It remains one of the nation's most historic cities.
For this article, we've chosen ten of our favorite places in the Historic/Old City area - listed alphabetically. All are within easy walking distance of each other. All can be easily seen in the course of a daytrip to the city.
At the end of the article we've included a link to a page that provides information about websites of the various places included in our list
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street (between Second and Third Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19106-1915
215-627-5343
Admission Fee: Suggested Donation, $2 adults, $1 children
Located on Arch Street about two blocks from the U.S. Mint, the Betsy Ross House is where Betsy Ross and her husband John lived from 1773-1786. The house was never actually owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ross. They rented it and ran their upholstery business out of the house.
Upholsterers were often chosen as flagmakers in colonial times. It was in this house or the one next door, where the garden now stands, that Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. Betsy Ross herself was quite an interesting woman, with much tragedy in her life. You can find out all about her life and the history of Old Glory at the Betsy Ross House.
Carpenters' Hall
320 Chestnut Street (between Third and Fourth Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2708
215-925-0167
Admission: Free
Carpenters' Hall was built in 1770 by the Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia, a guild founded in 1724 to help its members develop architectural skills and to aid their families in times of need.
The delegates to the First Continental Congress met here in September, 1774 to air their grievances against King George III. In the spring of 1775, the Second Continental Congress transferred its sessions to the larger Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), but Carpenters' Hall continued to be used by various political groups.
During the Revolutionary War the Hall served as a hospital and an arsenal for American forces. The building is still owned and maintained by the Carpenters' Company.
Christ Church
2nd Street above Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19106
215-922-1695
Admission: Free - but donations are welcome.
Christ Church is one of America's most historic churches. The church was built between 1727 and 1754 in the reign of George II. Many of our founding fathers worshiped here including Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson, Robert Morris and George Washington.
It remains an active
parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America.
The church's steeple, at 196-feet high is one of the most visible landmarks of
the city. The Church's burial ground is the resting place of many famous
individuals including Benjamin Franklin, Commodore William Bainbridge and five
signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Edgar Allen Poe National
Historic Site
532 North Seventh St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-597-8780
Admission: Free
Operated by the National Park Service, this historic site consists of three buildings and a park area. Visitors can enjoy a number of exhibits about Poe's life, including an audio-visual presentation, as well as a tour of the house, though it is not furnished.
Poe's own furnishings disappeared without a trace, a fact which may be viewed with some irony. Thus, with no evidence as to the original furnishings, the house remains bare today.
Poe resided in the house from 1838-1844 and it was here that he wrote many of his most famous works including: "Murders in the Rue Morgue", "The Pit and the Pendulum". The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado".
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