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A Walking Tour of Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA

By John Fischer, About.com

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Free Quaker Meeting House

Free Quaker Meeting House

Free Quaker Meeting House, 5th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA

Photo by K. Ciappa, Once Upon a Nation
As you exit the Independence Visitor Center proceed straight towards 5th Street and make a left, heading north. At the corner of 5th and Arch Streets, you'll see the Free Quaker Meeting House to your left. The building is rarely open for visitors and used mostly for special events. It is, however, a significant landmark in U.S. history.

During the Revolutionary War, most Quakers maintained their pacifist beliefs. Some Quakers disagreed and felt that the cause of freedom was too important. Many of these Quakers were important contributors in the war for independence. They established their own meeting house knowing that by supporting the Revolution they would be expelled from the main community of Quakers.

It was here that these "Free" Quakers or "Fighting" Quakers met for the next 50 years until their numbers dwindled to just two members - Betsy Ross and John Price Wetherill. The meeting house was then closed.

Over the years the building has been used for numerous purposes. Today it serves as the headquarters for Once Upon a Nation. If you find the door ajar as you walk by, ask if you can take a look inside.

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