US2011 - Independence Hall

Besides the Liberty Bell, another most treasured symbols of freedom for United States is the Independence Hall.

 

 

Also located within the Independence National Historical Park (the most historical mile in the US), …

 

 

… this birthplace of the nation is currently listed as a World Heritage Site.

 

 

It was where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the Constitution of the United States was written in 1787.

 

 

As the building is usually closed to visitors, the only way to visit it is through the free timed tickets …

 

 

… available from the Independence Visitor Center.

 

 

But, do make sure that you get here and queue up early as most tickets would have been snapped up by noon.

 

 

In my case, although I was there at 10.30am, the earliest ticket left was for the 1.40pm tour.

 

 

Luckily, the Visitor Center is entertaining enough to be considered as a tourist attraction as well.

 

 

So, while waiting for the tour, visitors could then check out the other tours on offer, go shopping at the souvenir shop, surf the Internet with their free WiFi, learn a little bit of Philadelphia’s history …

 

 

… or even read about other featured historical attractions around the area.

 

 

20 minutes before the tour begins, …

 

 

… all visitors are advised to go through security between the Old City Hall and the East Wing of Independence Hall.

 

 

Upon arrival, everyone queued up, …

 

 

… before being guided into the East Wing building.

 

 

Here, we were given a short brief about the history of the USA, how the events unfolded and the significance of the building.

 

 

Then, the official tour of the Independence Hall building began.

 

 

First up, the Supreme Court Room, …

 

 

… followed by the Assembly Room that lies across the corridor.

 

 

It was here that both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were drafted and signed.

 

 

Lastly, we were given a quick brief on the Center Hall and Tower Stairs ...

 

 

… before exiting the building. After learning about the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, it is then time to check out the documents itself …

 

 

… at the Great Essentials exhibit, located in the West Wing of Independence Hall.

 

 

Also on exhibit is the silver inkstand that, according to tradition, was used during the signing of both the Declaration and Constitution.

 

 

And that concludes my historical lesson on how the USA gained her independence.