Old City Philadelphia Walking Tour

City Tavern, located at the corner of Second and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic establishment originally built in 1773. It served as a prominent social and political hub for the American colonists and was frequented by many Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. The tavern was known for its elegant atmosphere and was the site of several pivotal moments in early American history.

One of the most notable events at City Tavern was the first-ever Fourth of July celebration in 1777. Just a year after the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, this historic tavern hosted the initial commemorative festivities marking America's independence. Despite the ongoing Revolutionary War, the celebration brought together Philadelphia's elite for a formal gathering, which contrasted sharply with the informal, backyard barbecues commonly associated with modern Independence Day. The event highlighted the tavern's role as a center for political and social engagement during the birth of the nation.

In addition to the first Fourth of July celebration, City Tavern also served briefly as the Continental Army's headquarters a month later. It was a favored meeting place for revolutionary leaders and the site of significant discussions and dinners among the signers of the Constitution. Despite suffering damage from a fire in 1834 and eventual demolition in 1854, the tavern's legacy endures through its reconstruction in 1975 and its representation of colonial American public life. Physical evidence of its historical prominence is preserved within the Independence National Historical Park.[1][3][7]

The Merchants' Exchange Building in Philadelphia, built between 1832 and 1834, served as a key commercial hub designed by architect William Strickland in the Greek Revival style. Its triangular site is bounded by Dock, 3rd, and Walnut Streets in the Old City neighborhood. It was established to centralize business transactions that until then occurred in informal settings like coffee houses and taverns along the Delaware River, making it the nation's oldest existing stock exchange building[1][3][5].

A pivotal moment in its history was the founding of the Philadelphia Exchange Company in 1831, led by prominent Philadelphians including Stephen Girard, the richest man in the nation at that time. Their goal was to create a dedicated building for trade, marine insurance, and commerce in response to Philadelphia's expanding economy and the inadequacy of previous meeting places. Upon completion, the building housed commercial offices, the Philadelphia Board of Trade, marine insurance firms, and the U.S. Post Office, notable for being the first in the country to sell postage stamps[1][3][5].

The human element in this story highlights Girard’s leadership and vision to formalize Philadelphia's financial activities, reflecting the city’s transition from colonial trade centers to a structured commercial economy. The building's continuous adaptation, including its later role as headquarters for the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and eventually the Independence National Historical Park, showcases its longstanding influence on the city's economic life. The triangular site and the building's lantern, inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, remain visible physical evidence of Strickland's design and Philadelphia's 19th-century commerce[1][3].

The First Bank of the United States, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the nation's first central bank, established in 1791 to manage Revolutionary War debt and unify currency. Its neoclassical building, completed in 1797, served as the bank’s main office while Philadelphia was the capital of the United States. The bank’s charter lasted only 20 years before it was not renewed by Congress in 1811, marking a significant financial turning point for early America[1][3][5].

Following the bank’s closure, the building was purchased by Stephen Girard, a Philadelphia merchant and banker who owned one of the wealthiest fortunes in the country. Girard opened his own bank in the former First Bank building, which quickly became the principal source of government credit during the War of 1812. His bank financed the U.S. government’s war efforts when traditional government funding channels were inadequate, effectively stepping in to stabilize the nation’s finances during a time of crisis. Girard’s role was pivotal as he personally ensured loans to the government, demonstrating the critical influence of private individuals on public finance during this formative period[5].

The building itself still stands as physical evidence of this layered history. The transition from the federally chartered First Bank to Girard’s private bank captures a dramatic shift in financial authority just as the country faced wartime economic pressures. Girard’s unique role bridged government needs and private capital in a way that was both controversial and crucial. The bank’s existence and its subsequent use by Girard illustrate the early republic’s complex balance between public institutions and private initiative in shaping America’s financial system[3][5].

The New Hall Military Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic building reconstructed to represent the original 1791 structure that served as the U.S. War Department headquarters. Today, it operates as a museum dedicated to the formation of the American military during the late 1700s, showcasing artifacts from the Revolutionary War and highlighting the origins of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps[1][2][7].

A pivotal historical event connected with the museum is its documentation of the establishment of the Continental Marine Corps in 1775. The Marines originated from two battalions authorized by an Act of Congress, with recruitment taking place at Philadelphia's Tun Tavern, a now-lost waterfront tavern. The museum features exhibits such as dioramas, weaponry including blunderbusses and swords, and timelines that chronicle key moments like the Marines' support of George Washington's 1776 Delaware River crossing, revealing the critical human contributions to early military efforts[1][3].

The military artifacts and exhibits reflect direct actions taken during the Revolutionary War, focusing on individuals like Marines who participated in significant conflicts. The museum also preserves the memory of Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War, who worked in the original building. This human-centered narrative connects Philadelphia’s colonial military past to tangible artifacts and stories, providing visitors with insight into the people who shaped the early United States military and their enduring impact on the community[1][7][8].

Carpenters' Hall, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been a historic gathering place since its construction in 1775. It was built by the Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia, originally intended as a meeting place and rental space, highlighting the technical skills of its builders[2][3]. The hall played a pivotal role in American history, particularly during the Revolutionary War era. It served as the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where representatives from the Thirteen Colonies gathered to discuss grievances against the British Crown[2][3]. This event marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the American Revolution, as it was here that the colonies first united in opposition to British rule. The hall's design, influenced by Scottish and Italian architectural styles, reflects the cultural exchange and diversity of Philadelphia during that time[2][3]. The Hall was also briefly occupied by British troops during the Revolutionary War, and it served as a hospital for both British and American soldiers[2]. The architectural design of Carpenters' Hall, crafted by Robert Smith, is notable for its Georgian style, drawing inspiration from both Scottish town halls and Palladian villas[2][3]. The hall's square shape and precise construction are testaments to the skill of its builders. Robert Smith, a Scottish-trained architect, was chosen to lead the construction committee due to his reputation in Philadelphia[3]. After the war, the hall continued to host various organizations, including the Library Company of Philadelphia and the American Philosophical Society[2]. The hall's significance extends beyond its historical events, as it also showcases the craftsmanship and community involvement of the Carpenters' Company. The hall's history is intertwined with the lives of its occupants and visitors, including notable figures like Charles Willson Peale and Benjamin Franklin's associates[1][2]. The commemorations and activities held at Carpenters' Hall, such as the reenactment of the First Continental Congress, continue to engage the public with its rich history[5]. }

The Todd House, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is historically recognized as the residence of Dolley Madison (then Dolley Todd) and her first husband, John Todd, from 1791 to 1793. The house, built in 1775, reflects the lifestyle of the middle class in 18th-century Philadelphia and is now open to the public only by guided tour[5][6]. This location serves as a tangible link to Dolley Madison's early adult life before she became the wife of the fourth U.S. President.

During their occupancy, John Todd, a lawyer, and Dolley lived in the house until 1793 when tragedy struck Philadelphia with a severe yellow fever epidemic. John Todd, as well as their young son, succumbed to the disease, leaving Dolley a widow at the age of 25. This devastating loss profoundly affected her, triggering a period of mourning and hardship. The epidemic altered her life's trajectory, eventually leading to her introduction to and marriage with James Madison, a key figure in American history, in 1794[3][7].

The Todd House stands as a silent witness to these pivotal personal losses and transformations. It physically represents the domestic life of a middle-class family facing the challenges of disease and loss in a burgeoning American city. Today, visitors see period furnishings that illustrate the family’s social standing and lifestyle during that era, although most are not original to the structure. The house's preservation allows insight into the human side of historic events, specifically how Dolley Madison’s early years in Philadelphia shaped her future role in American political and social life[5][6].

The Second Bank of the United States, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was chartered by Congress in 1816 and began operations in 1817. It was a federally authorized national bank with a 20-year charter, serving as the fiscal agent for the federal government by holding deposits, making payments, issuing banknotes, and regulating state banks' note issuance. The bank had a significant national reach, with 25 branches by 1832, and was pivotal in stabilizing the national currency and supporting economic growth in early 19th-century America[1][3].

A dramatic conflict known as the "Bank War" centered on the bank and its charter renewal became a key issue in the 1832 presidential election. President Andrew Jackson opposed the bank, viewing it as a threat to republican ideals and favoring hard money policies. The bank's president, Nicholas Biddle, and supporters such as Henry Clay, advocated for its recharter. Jackson vetoed the renewal bill, provoking widespread political and public debate. His veto was backed by a large segment of the population, especially farmers and westerners who distrusted the bank as an elitist institution. Philadelphia, as the bank's headquarters, was a focal point for this national controversy. This led to the bank losing its federal charter in 1836 and ultimately closing in 1841[3][4][5][7].

Nicholas Biddle, a Philadelphian from an elite family, personally embodied the bank’s public image. Biddle's insistence on the bank's Greek Revival architecture symbolized its grandeur and aspirations. His efforts to uphold the bank’s authority during the political struggle included mobilizing public support and using the bank’s credit power to influence the economy. Jackson’s administration transferred federal funds to state banks, undermining the bank’s influence. Physical evidence of this era remains in the imposing building on Chestnut Street with its Doric columns and barrel-vaulted ceiling, reminders of the bank's former prominence in Philadelphia’s financial and political history[5][6][7].

Library Hall in Philadelphia, operated by the American Philosophical Society since 1789, served as a central hub for intellectual and scientific pursuits in early America. The building, a brick structure on South 5th Street, was the site where important meetings and planning sessions took place for significant American exploratory expeditions[1][4].

In 1803, Meriwether Lewis stayed in Philadelphia preparing for the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, which was proposed by President Thomas Jefferson, a member of the Society. At Library Hall and through its network, Lewis took intensive courses and consulted with leading intellectuals and physicians of the time, including Dr. Benjamin Rush and Dr. Caspar Wistar. These preparations were crucial for the success of the expedition tasked with exploring the newly acquired western territories of the United States. Although Jefferson initially considered a French botanist, André Michaux, for the mission, Lewis’s training in Philadelphia cemented his leadership role[4].

The Hall boasts physical evidence of this era in its preserved interior spaces where these seminal activities occurred. The Society’s records and journals from the period offer invaluable firsthand accounts of the expedition’s development. This episode highlights how the American Philosophical Society and Library Hall were instrumental in shaping early American scientific exploration and westward expansion, directly impacting national history and the communities involved[1][4].

Old City Hall in Philadelphia, completed in 1791, served as the city's second city hall and notably housed the United States Supreme Court from 1791 until 1800, before the federal government relocated to Washington, D.C. This historic building played a crucial role in the early judicial framework of the United States. It was the venue where the first Supreme Court justices such as John Jay, Oliver Ellsworth, William Cushing, Samuel Chase, and Bushrod Washington convened, shaping foundational legal precedents for the young nation.[1][7]

Beyond its judicial significance, Old City Hall was intimately connected to the community during critical moments like the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, when it served as volunteer headquarters coordinating relief efforts. It functioned also as a vital immigration center where thousands of new citizens were naturalized in its courtroom, reflecting Philadelphia's role as a gateway to America during the late 18th century. These activities highlighted the building's multifaceted importance to the city's social and political life, anchoring both governance and community support during turbulent times.[1][3]

Physical evidence of this legacy persists in nearby cultural sites such as the Second Bank portrait gallery, which displays portraits of those early Supreme Court justices who served in Old City Hall, providing a tangible link to the individuals who shaped the nation's judiciary. The building itself, located at 5th and Chestnut Streets, remains a witness to the foundational legal and civic developments of Philadelphia and the United States. Its direct connection to the establishment of the Supreme Court offers visitors a distinct historical perspective on how law and community converged in the nation's formative years.[1]

Philosophical Hall in Philadelphia, built in 1787, served as the headquarters for the American Philosophical Society, a scholarly organization founded by Benjamin Franklin and others to promote knowledge in humanities and sciences. This building also housed Charles Willson Peale's pioneering natural history museum, one of the earliest of its kind in the United States[1][2][6].

In the early 1800s, Peale conducted an expedition in upstate New York where he unearthed the skeleton of a mastodon, an extinct prehistoric mammal. He transported the remains back to Philadelphia and exhibited them at Philosophical Hall. This event, known as the "Mammothmania," drew large crowds fascinated by the discovery of the largest extinct North American mammal. Peale's museum became a notable cultural phenomenon, inspiring local businesses like bakers who sold "mammoth bread" and even prompting a famous oversized cheese gift to President John Adams[2].

The mastodon exhibition at Philosophical Hall marked a significant moment in American science and public education. It demonstrated early efforts to understand and display natural history and sparked public enthusiasm for paleontology. The museum's influence extended beyond the Hall, contributing to broader scientific exploration in the young nation. This episode also connected notable figures such as Peale, Benjamin Franklin's intellectual descendants, and helped shape Philadelphia's identity as a center for scientific inquiry[1][2][3].

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is historically known as the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Beyond these well-known events, the building also served as a courthouse in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, where legal cases involving enslaved African Americans were contested. This dual role as both a symbol of liberty and a venue for deciding on freedom cases presents a complex human story at Independence Hall.

During the mid-1800s, Independence Hall housed courtrooms where significant trials took place involving African Americans accused of escaping slavery or seeking freedom. These cases often reflected the tensions in a society striving for liberty while still wrestling with the institution of slavery. For example, fugitives from slavery brought petitions for freedom, and the courts here rendered judgments that directly affected their lives and those of local communities. The building’s courtroom atmosphere contrasted starkly with the lofty ideals proclaimed in its Assembly Room, highlighting a dramatic conflict between American values and social realities.

These trials had important outcomes, shaping Philadelphia’s social dynamics and the local African American community. They also underscore the active role of Philadelphia residents and legal actors in these freedom struggles. Physical evidence of this history remains in the courtrooms and public records preserved from that era. The stories of individuals who appeared here for these trials add a human dimension to Independence Hall’s legacy, going beyond its founding mythology to reveal the contested nature of freedom in early America[5][8].

The West Wing in Philadelphia, located on Chestnut Street and part of the Independence National Historical Park, serves as a museum housing important exhibits related to the founding of the United States. This space is recognized for its Great Essentials exhibit, which features original documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, pivotal artifacts of American history. Once part of Independence Hall's complex, the West Wing is intertwined with key historical narratives of the nation’s founding era[5].

One of the most significant human-centered events associated with the West Wing occurred in 1865 following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. His body was brought back to Philadelphia and laid in state in the Assembly Room, adjacent to the West Wing, for two days. During this period, over 85,000 mourners visited to pay their respects, reflecting the profound impact Lincoln had on the people and communities of Philadelphia and the nation[5]. This event underscored the West Wing as part of a larger space where the nation's grief and political future converged.

The preservation of this site, including the West Wing, allows visitors to witness tangible connections to this dramatic chapter in American history. The original furnishings, paintings, and the setting evoke the solemnity of Lincoln’s vigil. The West Wing's Great Essentials exhibit provides context, linking these historical artifacts and moments to the broader narrative of the nation’s founding ideals and struggles. This human-centered history demonstrates how the location has been shaped by and continues to reflect critical moments affecting real people and communities in Philadelphia[5].

Congress Hall, located at Chestnut and 6th Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, served as the United States Capitol from December 6, 1790, to May 14, 1800. Originally built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, it became the meeting place where the early U.S. Congress convened during the nation’s temporary capital period before Washington, D.C. was established. Both the House of Representatives and Senate held sessions here, making it central to formative government actions in the young republic[1][3][5].

One of the most notable historical events at Congress Hall was the presidential inaugurations of George Washington’s second term in 1793 and John Adams in 1797. Washington’s inauguration took place in the Senate chamber on the building’s second floor and featured the shortest inaugural address in U.S. history, a mere 135 words. Adams’ inauguration was held downstairs in the House chamber, with a significantly longer speech. These ceremonies symbolized the peaceful transfer and continuity of executive power, anchoring young American democracy within these walls. The involvement of key founding figures and the evolving political practices were witnessed firsthand by legislators and citizens alike[4][7][5].

During this decade, Congress Hall was also the site of critical legislative decisions impacting the nation’s direction, including the ratification of the Bill of Rights and establishment of foundational institutions like the First Bank of the United States and the Department of the Navy. The building's physical layout reflected its function, with the lower floor housing the larger House chamber and the upper floor accommodating the Senate, providing a tangible setting for debates and decisions that shaped the government’s structure. These historic moments left enduring marks on Philadelphia's political landscape and continue to be seen by visitors exploring the preserved chambers today[3][7][5].

The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was originally cast in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall. It bears the inscription "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof," from Leviticus 25:10. After its arrival in Philadelphia, the bell cracked during its initial ringing and had to be recast twice by local workmen John Pass and John Stow, whose names appear on the bell. It was finally installed in the State House tower in 1753[1][5].

The bell's most famous and final crack emerged during the mid-19th century, with historians debating the exact moment. A widely held belief is that the crack formed on July 8, 1835, while ringing for the funeral procession of Chief Supreme Court Justice John Marshall. Others attribute the crack to the bell's use in 1846 during the celebration of George Washington's birthday. In an attempt to repair it, the crack was widened to prevent further damage, but the repair was unsuccessful. The new crack caused the bell to be retired from use permanently after 1846, leaving the bell silent ever since[7].

This physical damage shaped the Liberty Bell's status as a powerful historical artifact. While it once summoned lawmakers and citizens, its inability to ring has transformed it into a symbol of liberty's fragility and perseverance. The bell stands today at the Liberty Bell Center across from Independence Hall, preserving the visible crack that defines its unique history and connecting visitors to the human stories of determination and loss intertwined with the American struggle for freedom[1][3].

The Philadelphia Bourse, located at 111 S Independence Mall East in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was established as the first commodities exchange in the United States. Founded in 1891 by businessman George E. Bartol, who modeled it after the Hamburg Bourse in Germany, the institution aimed to facilitate grain and other commodity trading crucial to the region's commercial life. The current building, completed in 1895 and designed by G. W. & W. D. Hewitt in the Beaux-Arts style, was among the earliest steel-framed skyscrapers, housing multiple exchanges including stock, maritime, and grain trading under one roof, making it a pioneering center for commerce[1][2][3].

George Bartol was the driving force behind the Philadelphia Bourse, rallying the city's influential merchants and businessmen to fund and support the venture. With each member subscribing significant capital, the Bourse embodied the motto “buy, sell, ship via Philadelphia.” Upon opening, it attracted a variety of trading boards and business organizations including the Board of Trade, Lumbermen’s Exchange, and Maritime Exchange. The building also connected directly to the U.S. Post Office via pneumatic tubes for swift communication of financial news worldwide. This innovative communication system and multifaceted exchange significantly enhanced Philadelphia’s role as a major commercial hub and influenced trade patterns across the country[2][3][4].

Though the Bourse ceased functioning as a commodities exchange during the 1960s as the city's business district shifted westward, the building’s human legacy is preserved in its role as a commercial nucleus that shaped Philadelphia's economy and community. The Bourse’s original tenants included diverse business concerns such as grain dealers, steamship lines, and government offices like the Weather Bureau and Navy Hydrographic Office, reflecting a complex ecosystem of commerce and industry active inside the building. The physical structure retains many of its original design elements, standing as a concrete link to the individuals and enterprises that shaped Philadelphia’s trade history and the livelihoods of many residents for decades[2][4][5].

Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia is a historic cemetery established in 1719, notable as the final resting place for more than 4,000 individuals including five signers of the Declaration of Independence such as Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush. It remains a focal point of American Revolutionary history, located at 5th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia's center city area[1][6].

A compelling modern story connected to the Burial Ground is the 2024 performance "On Buried Ground," which honors and reveals the lives of forgotten Black Philadelphians buried there. The Cemetery's records have historically obscured many of the free and enslaved Black people interred at Christ Church. This performance art piece—a combination of dance, theater, and ritual—explores narratives of free and enslaved Black residents in 18th and 19th century Philadelphia, addressing the invisibility of African Americans in historical records and physical memorials at the site. The production invites audiences to engage directly on the burial grounds and in the adjacent Christ Church Neighborhood House, providing a vivid human dimension to marginalized histories[5][7].

Through archival research, the church uncovered petitions dating back to 1782 when free Black residents appealed to the governor to protect Congo Square, a burial area for Black individuals, from grave robbers. The performance and accompanying exhibitions draw on such documents, coupling them with artistic expression to confront and illuminate the contributions and struggles of Black communities linked to this location, thereby reshaping public understanding of Philadelphia's layered past. The ongoing efforts at Christ Church Burial Ground show a commitment to recounting all lives that shaped the city, not only its most famous colonial figures[7][5].

The President's House in Philadelphia, built in 1767 and located at Sixth and Market Streets, served as the executive mansion for the first two U.S. presidents, George Washington and John Adams, during the 1790s. This brick mansion was the official residence where Washington lived from 1790 to 1797, and John Adams from 1797 to 1800, before the federal government moved to Washington, D.C.[1][2]

A significant and compelling story from this location is the escape of Ona Judge, an enslaved African American woman held by the Washington family while they lived in the President’s House. Ona Judge self-emancipated with assistance from Philadelphia's free black community, fleeing the mansion where she was one of nine enslaved individuals brought by Washington from his Virginia estate. The Washingtons refused to grant her freedom and relentlessly pursued her for life. This human drama reveals the stark contradictions between the ideals of liberty and the reality of enslavement, played out in this prominent site of early American leadership[2][3][8].

Physical evidence of the mansion’s foundations was uncovered in 2000, leading to the creation of a memorial that opened in 2010 to commemorate the site and highlight the stories of the enslaved people, including Judge, alongside the history of the presidents. This memorial stands near Independence Mall and serves as a reminder of the enslaved community’s role and resistance within the narrative of the nation’s founding. The story of Ona Judge connects directly with broader abolitionist efforts and the complexities of early American society[2][6][7].

The Declaration House, located at 599 South 7th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the residence where Thomas Jefferson lived and worked while drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This three-story brick building, also known as the Graff House, was originally constructed in the 18th century and provided a quieter refuge away from the city's hustle as Jefferson attended the Second Continental Congress[4].

During Jefferson's residence here, he was accompanied by Robert Hemmings, his enslaved valet, whose presence highlights the contradictory realities of freedom and enslavement during America’s founding. Recent historical and artistic projects, including the Monument Lab's Declaration House exhibit, have brought Hemmings' story to the forefront, exploring how Hemmings witnessed Jefferson crafting words about liberty while being denied those very rights himself. This dual narrative of enslavement and freedom has been emphasized through artworks showing Hemmings’ descendants and those of enslaved people at Monticello, offering a human-centered perspective on the drafting of the Declaration[5][6].

The house itself, demolished and later reconstructed in 1975 to its 1776 appearance, now serves as a site for exhibits and educational programs that illustrate this poignant chapter of American history. Visitors can see recreations of Jefferson's bedroom and parlor, period furnishings, and replicas of the swivel chair and lap desk used during the drafting process. The site links directly to the broader story of the nation’s founding by situating the human complexities within the physical space where these historic decisions were made, giving insight into the lives of both the Founding Fathers and those, like Hemmings, whose contributions and experiences have been underrepresented[3][4].