Philadelphia Travels - Happy Independence Day (Part 2)

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I thought this would be the perfect time for part 2 of my trip to Philadelphia. As I mentioned in my previous post. Philadelphia Travels - Part 1
That the 2nd Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The purpose of the 2nd Continental Congress was to put to assemble what would become known as the Declaration of Independence. On June 11, 1776 a committee made up of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson had been tasked with writing the document due to his writing skills. After numerous changes the Declaration of Independence was completed on June 28, 1776 and submitted to the full 2nd Continental Congress. After some deliberation and changes the Declaration voted on and signed on July 2, 1776. On July 4, 1776 is when the Declaration was formally presented to the public.

It may sound like it took a relatively short amount of time. The Congress had assembled in May of 1775. Obviously it took a while for all the concerns and issues to be address, and then the decision to make the declaration. As I mentioned this meeting took place in Philadelphia, however the building that it was held in came to be known as Independence Hall.

As you can see in one of my pictures is a statue of George Washington in front the building. The back side of the building has a statue of Commodore John Barry, who is known as the 'Father of the US Navy' There are parks in front and behind Independence Hall. (I cannot locate these pictures) The park that is in front of Independence Hall is Liberty Park. It is where the Liberty Bell is housed which is known as Liberty Plaza. This trip we did not go inside to see the Liberty Bell. The line was 1/4 mile long, luckily it is now enclosed. I remember a horrible wait when I was a kid. Seeing it now ... if you can get tickets early in the morning then that would be worth it.

If you have seen 'National Treasure' with Nicholas Cage, then you have seen Independence Hall and a glimpse inside. Tours are offered it is kind of pricey. I was the only one of our group that had actually been inside. It was the first time for everyone else, even though my daughter and son-in-law have been living in Philadelphia for 2 years.

On the day we went there was a recreation of a military band from the time. The photo bomb is my husband LOL. On the far end of Liberty Park is where Benjamin Franklin's residence was. I wish I knew where the other pictures are. Probably still on my camera and I lost my USB cable. Included are the few that I have which shows the 'ruins' of the house. What is really neat is when this portion of the park was built. The city paved it with the house floor plan. This way you can 'walk around the house.'

I hope this one is as enjoyable as the first part. We have one more to go. I promise Rocky picture in that one LOL.

Independence Hall