Taking A Patriotic Journey In The City Of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, "The City of Brotherly Love," was the center of the original thirteen
colonies of the United States of America, geographically, socially, and democratically. Though it is no longer the capital city of the United States today, it is still the sixth most populous.
All the different people and cultures that have settled here make Philadelphia a city full of both tradition and modern culture. Around every corner and almost everywhere you look within the city, there is a building or monument dating back to colonial times in America.
Getting around the city of Philadelphia is usually simple for most non-natives that visit. The streets were designed on a grid system, so with a little help from a map and your own sense of direction, you should have no problem navigating the streets and blocks.
If you feel able to understand the system and find your way around, then renting a car to use is the ultimate way to travel. If you would rather leave the navigation of your trip up to someone else who knows the city, hail a taxi to whichever landmark or site you wish to see.
One of the most popular and well-known attractions in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell. The bell, now on display for visitors to see, is a classic relic of American history.
The bell was originally rung from Independence Tower during colonial times to notify the citizens of Philadelphia of the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Liberty Bell was also adopted as a symbol of the abolitionists wishing to free slaves during Civil War Times.
The famous crack on the Liberty Bell originally started out as tiny fractures from usual ringing and wear. On Washington's Birthday in 1846, the bell was rung for the last time, for the large crack developed, and it was from then on useless.
To see this special part of United States history, visit the Liberty Bell Center. It is open year-round from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
For another educational bit of America's past, spend some time at the National Constitution Center. The museum is full of artifacts, high-tech exhibits, and lots of interactive activities and displays.
Visitors to the museum can try on judicial robes and make decisions on Supreme Court cases, take the Presidential oath of the office, and choose whether to sign or dissent the Constitution. One of the original public copies of the United States Constitution is even on display for museum goers to view.
The National Constitution Center is a great venue for families with children to visit. The museum offers an education about American history and how democracy came about, but is also interactive enough to offer fun for small children to enjoy.
Another infamous historic site for you and your family to visit is Valley Forge. In 1778, while the British occupied the city of Philadelphia, George Washington needed to find an area where he and his troops could camp, while also keeping an eye out for the "Red Coats."
He decided on Valley Forge, where the troops spent six months during the winter of that year. During this time, many men died because of the harsh cold and sickness.
Valley Forge is now a park where runners, bikers, and picnickers flock, but it still retains its history and respect for those that fought for the United States' freedom. The site is full of historical antiquities and memorials.
Try visiting the Welcome Center, where there is an exhibit of Revolutionary War artifacts commemorating the soldiers that stayed there. Pack a picnic for your family for some outdoor time in the lush park.
Independence Hall is another great historical venue to visit while spending time in the city of Philadelphia. The building is open 365 days a year, and tickets are free.
Take a guided tour through the landmark and see where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were created and ratified. Visitors to Independence Hall can see the courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides of the original debate to leave Britain discussed and voted.
In the Assembly Room, visitors are able to see George Washington's "rising sun" chair, and in the West Wing, you are even able to witness the original ink stand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
The city of Philadelphia is full of even more landmarks and monuments remembering pivotal places and people in United States history. A trip to this city teaches you about how America came to be.
by: Terry Daniels
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