Pennsylvania ranks with Massachusetts and Virginia as having the biggest claim to the legacy of early America. Pennsylvania was home to many of the people, places, and artifacts of the young democracy — the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, Valley Forge, and Benjamin Franklin.
Philadelphia, PA began in 1682, with William Penn’s Quaker dream of a City of Brotherly Love. It moved on to play an instrumental role as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers during the Revolution. They signed the Declaration of Independence in the city on July 4, 1776, and the Constitution there in 1787. At its Independence Hall, the United States of America was born.
Below are 5 points of interest taken from The Travel Institute’s Destination Specialist North America course to share with your clients if they are traveling to Philadelphia:
The city’s most prominent sights represent only a fraction of what is available. Most are in the heart of the city and within walking distance of one other. Sights slightly farther out are accessible by public transportation. Walking tours and visitors centers are easy to find.
1. Independence National Historic Park is the center of the city’s historical landmarks. Many of the sights and tours within this hallowed area are open 365 days a year and are free.
2. Betsy Ross House, a colonial home where she may have made the first U.S. flag. Although it is one of the most visited tourist sites in Philadelphia, the claim that Ross lived here is a matter of dispute, and the claim that she designed and sewed the first flag is almost certainly false.
3. Christchurch, where signers of the Declaration of Independence worshiped.
4. U.S. Mint, begun after George Washington became president and still producing much of the country’s money.
5. Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the country’s largest museums. Its long flight of steps to the main entrance became famous after they were featured in the film Rocky (1976).
Bonus attractions:
Rodin Museum, with the largest collection of Rodin’s sculptures outside of Paris.
Edgar Allan Poe House, a National Historic Site.
