Simone Lawson
Independence Hall, a historic civic building in Philadelphia, is often referred to as America's Birthplace. It is where the Declaration of Independence was debated, ratified, and adopted, and where the United States Constitution was created, debated, drafted, and signed. The building, initially called the Pennsylvania State House, was constructed in 1732 and completed in 1753 or 1756. It served as the first capitol of the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania. The National Constitution Center, on the other hand, is a museum in Philadelphia that showcases the U.S. Constitution through interactive and multimedia exhibits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Independence Hall |
| Other Names | Pennsylvania State House, Hall of Independence, America's Birthplace |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Construction Began | 1732 |
| Completed | 1753 or 1756 |
| History | First construction and function as the Pennsylvania State House from 1732 to 1799, used as a museum from 1802 to 1828, became a municipal building from 1818 to 1895, and turned into an important historical landmark from 1898 to the present |
| Events | Declaration of Independence was debated, ratified, and signed here; Continental Army founded and George Washington appointed as its commander-in-chief; Constitutional Convention held here, where the U.S. Constitution was debated, drafted, and signed |
| Architecture | Example of American Georgian architecture with exposed brick, clean lines, proportions, and symmetry |
| Status | National Historic Landmark, UNESCO World Heritage Site, open to the public for tours |
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What You'll Learn
Independence Hall's history
Independence Hall, initially called the Pennsylvania State House, is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was constructed in 1732 and completed in 1753 (or 1756, according to another source). It served as the first capitol of the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania.
The building was designed in the American Georgian style, characterised by exposed brick, clean lines, symmetry, and proportions. The architecture aimed to create a generous sense of space and natural light. The main building had a decked gable roof, balustraded between the chimneys, and a centrally located cupola. The first floor contained two chambers, each about 40 feet square, separated by a spacious centre hall about 20 feet wide. The building was heated by open fireplaces, which were later replaced by stoves. In 1750, a tower was erected to house a staircase and belfry, and in 1777, the State House bell (now called the Liberty Bell) was hung.
Independence Hall is most famous for being the site of several significant events in American history. From May 10, 1775, to 1783, it served as the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress, a body of representatives from each of the thirteen British North American colonies. On June 14, 1775, delegates of the Continental Congress, gathered in the Assembly Room and established the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief.
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was unanimously approved in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall. The Declaration was read aloud to the public in the area now known as Independence Square. This document unified the colonies in North America, declaring their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and explaining their justifications. The Liberty Bell is believed to have rung to celebrate this occasion.
From May to September 1787, Independence Hall hosted the Constitutional Convention, where the U.S. Constitution was debated, drafted, and ratified. The Constitution was signed in the Assembly Room on September 17, 1787.
The history of Independence Hall can be divided into four periods: its construction and function as the Pennsylvania State House from 1732 to 1799; its use as a museum from 1802 to 1828; its role as a municipal building from 1818 to 1895; and its transformation into an important historical landmark from 1898 to the present.
Today, Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. It is open to the public for tours, and visitors can see the room where the United States of America was born, as well as the only original piece of furniture remaining in the Hall, a high-back chair with a gilded sun carved at the top.
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The Assembly Room
From May to September 1787, the Assembly Room hosted the Constitutional Convention, where the US Constitution was debated, drafted, and ratified. On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was signed in the Assembly Room, and this date is now celebrated as Constitution Day. The Assembly Room witnessed the creation of the oldest federal constitution, framed by delegates from 12 of the original 13 colonies, with Rhode Island being the only exception.
Today, Independence Hall is considered "America's Birthplace" and is designated a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take guided tours of the hall and stand in the very room where the United States of America was born. The Assembly Room, as the heart of Independence Hall, holds a significant place in American history and continues to inspire and educate visitors about the nation's founding.
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Independence Hall's architecture
Independence Hall, originally known as the Pennsylvania State House, is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most recognisable buildings in the United States and an example of American Georgian architecture.
Construction of Independence Hall began in 1732 and was completed in 1753 or 1756, serving as the first capitol of the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania. The building was designed to create a generous sense of space and natural light, with exposed brick creating clean lines, proportions, and symmetry. The foundation was made of rubble stone and lime mortar, while the interior frame and roof trusses were constructed with wooden girders and beams, reinforced with iron plates and pins. The outer shell was built from hard-burned brick, 22 to 23 inches thick.
The Assembly Room is the heart of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated, drafted, and adopted by the Founding Fathers. The room has undergone several alterations over the years, with wood panelling, furnishings, and paint colours being changed multiple times. During a restoration in 1897-98, the original entablature in the Supreme Court Chamber was removed to lower the ceiling, and the Mills buildings were torn down and replaced with inaccurate replicas. In 1948, the building's interior was restored to its original appearance, and another restoration project began in 2025.
Independence Hall is now a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open to the public for tours. Visitors can stand in the very room where the United States of America was born and see the only original piece of furniture that remains in the building—a high-back chair with a gilded sun carved at the top.
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Independence Hall today
Independence Hall, originally known as the Pennsylvania State House, is a historic civic building in Philadelphia. It is considered the birthplace of American democracy and is recognised globally for its impact on the pursuit of freedom and democracy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
The building was constructed in 1732 and completed in 1753 or 1756, serving as the first capitol of the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania. It housed all three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—from 1732 to 1799. It was also the home of the US Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800.
Independence Hall is most famous for being the location where the Declaration of Independence was debated, adopted, and signed. On July 2, 1776, America voted for independence, and on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The following year, from May to September 1787, Independence Hall hosted the Constitutional Convention, where the US Constitution was debated, drafted, and ratified. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and it remains the longest-standing written and codified national constitution in the world.
Today, Independence Hall is part of the Independence National Historical Park, which includes other historic buildings like Congress Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Hall is open to the public for tours, and visitors can explore significant rooms like the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The West Wing, which features original 18th-century copies of important documents, is also open to the public without tickets. The site faces pressures from degradation due to air pollution, acid rain, and commercial development in the area.
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National Constitution Center
Constitution Hall and Independence Hall are not the same. Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and signed. It is one of the most recognisable buildings in the United States and is considered "America's Birthplace".
The National Constitution Center, on the other hand, is a non-profit institution located at the Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is an interactive museum and national town hall that explores and explains the U.S. Constitution through high-tech exhibits, rare artifacts, historic documents, and interactive galleries. The center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act, which was approved on September 16, 1988, and signed by President Ronald Reagan. It opened on July 4, 2003, and has since become a cultural hub in the city, attracting a million visitors annually.
The National Constitution Center is dedicated to the four most powerful pages in America's history and is wholly devoted to honouring and exploring the U.S. Constitution. The center features Signers' Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. The Kimmel Theater, a 350-seat, star-shaped theatre, showcases Freedom Rising, a multimedia production that combines film, a live actor, and video projection on a 360-degree screen to tell the story of "We the people".
The center also offers civic learning resources onsite and online and has hosted government leaders, journalists, scholars, and celebrities for public discussions, Constitution-related events, and presidential debates. The building itself is made of American products, including Indiana limestone, steel, and concrete. The architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners designed the center, with structural engineering by Leslie E. Robertson Associates.
The National Constitution Center is an important institution that promotes the understanding of the U.S. Constitution and facilitates public engagement and discussion. It is a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the Constitution and America's constitutional history.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they are different buildings. Constitution Hall is a 160,000-square-foot museum that brings the U.S. Constitution to life through interactive exhibits, lectures, tours, and films. Independence Hall, on the other hand, is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted.
Independence Hall is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Independence Hall is often referred to as "America's Birthplace" as it is the location where the United States Constitution was created and signed, and the Declaration of Independence was debated and ratified.
Construction of Independence Hall began in 1732 and was completed in 1753 or 1756. It served as the Pennsylvania State House and was the first capitol of the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania.
Yes, Independence Hall is a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is open to the public for tours.
