Revolutionary Philadelphia Walking Tour

Meeting point and tour introduction.

What happened to the pacifist Quakers during the American Revolution? See their meetinghouse from the outside, c. 1783, and imagine Betsy Ross attending service there.

Philly’s favorite founding father. See his grave from 1790 and hear about his incredible life, both here in Philly and overseas.

See “Keys to the Community,” a nine-foot bronze bust of founding father Benjamin Franklin by sculptor James Peniston. Hear about the founding of Philadelphia’s first fire company.

Did Betsy Ross really sew the first American flag? The house, c. 1740s, has so many stories to tell.

Historic Christ Church is a remarkable surviving landmark from the American Revolution. Signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried in its sacred grounds, along with other notable revolutionary figures. John Adams climbed the steeple to look for the enemy.

Once Ben Franklin’s home, now the site of a ghost house honoring his memory. The Franklin Court complex also includes a working reproduction of an 18th century printing press, an architectural exhibit, and an operating post office. Also home to the Benjamin Franklin Museum.

The site of the First Continental Congress, the colonies’ first step towards independence. Delegates from twelve colonies gathered here in 1774 to address their problems with Britain.

The Second Bank of the United States, c. 1824, is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture. This building was once a thriving financial hub for the nation.

American Philosophical Society. A carved figure of Benjamin Franklin occupies the center façade of this building—a fitting tribute to the man who founded the oldest learning society in the U.S. This extraordinary library is home to a world-renowned collection. Reconstructed 1959.

The newly formed United State supreme court convened here when Philadelphia was the temporary capitol of the nation. President George Washington chose the first justices. This building, formerly City Hall, c. 1790, witnessed the best legal minds in the new country, including Alexander Hamilton.

The United States was born here! The U.S. Constitution was created here! Huzzah! Independence Hall, c. 1733, was the Pennsylvania State House for more than forty years before America separated from Britain in 1776. If only the walls could talk.

Congress Hall, c. 1789, served as the very first United States Capitol. This was where the federal government of the United States convened from 1790-1800.

An iconic symbol of American freedom. View this historic bell from the outside and hear about its 274-year history. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof!”

Presidents George Washington and John Adams both lived here when Philadelphia was Capitol of the United States. Originally a privately-owned mansion, c. 1767, hear about the Pennsylvania “royalty” who lived here, the invasion of Philadelphia, and the site’s treasonous activity.