Independence Hall
Independence Hall has a long history, with many twists and turns. Originally built to house the Pennsylvania colonial legislature, it served as a site for the debates over the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as serving as the first U.S. Capitol building between 1790 and 1800.
After 1800, it became the Philadelphia courthouse and, for a time, the Federal court for Philadelphia as well. Additionally, the basement of Independence Hall once housed the city dog pound, truly a multi-purpose structure! It was not until the 1950s that Independence Hall was restored to its 1776 appearance by the National Parks Service, which operate the Hall and the surrounding Independence Park to this day. Currently, Independence Hall is both a National Historic Site and a World Heritage Site.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall has a long history, with many twists and turns. Originally built to house the Pennsylvania colonial legislature, it served as a site for the debates over the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as serving as the first U.S. Capitol building between 1790 and 1800.
After 1800, it became the Philadelphia courthouse and, for a time, the Federal court for Philadelphia as well. Additionally, the basement of Independence Hall once housed the city dog pound, truly a multi-purpose structure! It was not until the 1950s that Independence Hall was restored to its 1776 appearance by the National Parks Service, which operate the Hall and the surrounding Independence Park to this day. Currently, Independence Hall is both a National Historic Site and a World Heritage Site.