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EXPLORE: November 8, 2008. Independence Hall - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Looking out of one of the upper windows from a U.S. national landmark. The United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution were both signed in this building.
Instead of touristy square composition I framed this series of photos to hopefully capture some mood. These are photos I took at and around Independence Hall where our countryman signed the Declaration of Independence located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
This historic precedent of Colonial Georgian Architecture sits at the heart of Philadelphia's old city center. Independence Hall also played a crucial role in the founding of the United States, as its storied assembly rooms witnessed the signing of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.
Carte de visite by Burnite & Weldon of Harrisburg, Pa. This circa 1864 photograph described as the "Hancock Chair, House of Representatives, Harrisburg" led me to believe it might have been sat in by Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, a son of Pennsylvania and a wounded warrior from the recent Battle of Gettysburg.
My hunch was wrong.
When this image was taken, Americans celebrated the chair as the one sat in by John Hancock in the summer of 1776 during the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
But that chair was gone—believed to have been destroyed by British forces during its occupation of Philadelphia during the fall of 1777 and the spring of 1778.
In 1779, a replacement chair was created by Philadelphia furniture maker John Folwell, and it was presented to the Pennsylvania legislature.
This is the chair pictured here.
The chair has a unique history, for it was occupied by George Washington during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Independence Hall. During the convention, delegate Benjamin Franklin's attention focused on the sun design on the top of the chair's back. He wondered if it was setting or rising. Franklin finally decided it was rising.
Here's a detail of the sun, located at the top of the chair's back: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Detail%2C_cre...
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The chair sat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where it was used by the presiding officer until 1872, when it was returned to Independence Hall. This photograph of the chair is inscribed at the bottom "Compliments of Wm. S. Cooper." This may be William S. Cooper, an inventor and brass manufacturer.
Confusion about the origins of the chair continued until 1935, when furniture scholar William MacPherson Hornor Jr. revealed its origins. Today, the chair is in the custody of the National Park Service. It is now known as "The Rising Sun Armchair," a name that emerged in the late 20th century.
President Ronald Reagan referenced the chair at the conclusion of his 1987 State of the Union speech:
We the people -- starting the third century of a dream and standing up to some cynic who's trying to tell us we're not going to get any better. Are we at the end? Well, I can't tell it any better than the real thing -- a story recorded by James Madison from the final moments of the Constitutional Convention, September 17th, 1787. As the last few members signed the document, Benjamin Franklin -- the oldest delegate at 81 years and in frail health -- looked over toward the chair where George Washington daily presided. At the back of the chair was painted the picture of a Sun on the horizon. And turning to those sitting next to him, Franklin observed that artists found it difficult in their painting to distinguish between a rising and a setting Sun.
Well, I know if we were there, we could see those delegates sitting around Franklin -- leaning in to listen more closely to him. And then Dr. Franklin began to share his deepest hopes and fears about the outcome of their efforts, and this is what he said: ``I have often looked at that picture behind the President without being able to tell whether it was a rising or setting Sun: But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun.'' Well, you can bet it's rising because, my fellow citizens, America isn't finished. Her best days have just begun.
I encourage you to use this image for educational purposes only. However, please ask for permission.
This is the iconic symbol of Philadelphia and of American Independence. But it's a bear to photograph. You have backlighting and glass and lots of people to deal with. I took a 3 image handheld HDR using the Fraggle Red technique and this is the result. In the background is Independence Hall.
Special thanks to Senora Shutterbug for keeping people out of my shot.
What's really wild is that when you finally see this in person, it looks much smaller than what you may have envisioned it. Let Freedom Ring!
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Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
The Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the Bell in 1751 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, Pennsylvania's original Constitution. It speaks of the rights and freedoms valued by people the world over. Particularly forward thinking were Penn's ideas on religious freedom, his liberal stance on Native American rights, and his inclusion of citizens in enacting laws.
The Liberty Bell, seen through a window of reflections of Independence Hall
and its festive 4th of July decorations across the street.
Happy Independence Day!
Independence Hall has been called the birthplace of the United States for many reasons. It is within these walls that the delegates from 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. During British occupation, Independence Hall was used as a barracks and hospital for American prisoners. The second floor of the building was once home to a museum of natural history, and the basement once served as the city dog pound.
Constructed between 1731 and 1756, Independence Hall originally began as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania. It consists of a central building with bell tower and steeple, attached to two smaller wings that were demolished in 1811and 1812 and have since been reconstructed. The building is a fine example of Georgian architecture, with understated lines that reveal Philadelphia’s Quaker heritage. Numerous restorations have returned it to its original late18th century appearance.
The bell tower steeple was the original home of the Liberty Bell and today it holds a Centennial Bell that was created in 1876. The original Liberty Bell with its distinctive crack and famous inscription, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” is on display in the Liberty Bell Center.
The historical significance of Independence Hall centers on the Assembly Room, where in 1775 the Second Continental Congress convened. In this room the Congress chose George Washington as commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775 and adopted and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It also functioned as the first national government. In the same room, the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781 and the Constitution of the United States was drafted in 1787. Notable figures of that time included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington.
Philadelphia | PA | USA
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Independence Hall is, by every estimate, the birthplace of the United States. It was within its walls that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was here that the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. That document is the oldest federal constitution in existence and was framed by a convention of delegates from 12 of the original 13 colonies.
Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. It is known primarily as the location where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.
The building was completed in 1753 as the colonial legislature (later Pennsylvania State House) for the Province of Pennsylvania. It became the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1783 and was the site of the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787. The building is part of Independence National Historical Park and is listed as a World Heritage Site.
This cobblestone street is adjacent to Independence Hall.
ABOUT THE SERIES
In June 2010 Michelle and I traveled to Philadelphia (and surrounding areas) for a summer vacation and to visit her extended family. I'd been to Philadelphia twice before, once in eighth grade and once during college but I only remember bits and pieces of each previous trip. The trip during college was during the 2010 Republican National Convention (I wasn't there for the convention) and I remember the entire city resembling a police state with police everywhere due to all the protests.
Anyway, it was great to return to the city and see some of the surrounding areas I hadn't explored before. We visited during a heatwave (90 degree heat with intense humidity which apparently is a little unusual in June but typical in August) but it was well worth the trip.
DO NOT use my pictures without my written permission, these images are under copyright. Contact me if you want to buy or use them. CarloAlessioCozzolino© All rights reserved
Independence Hall - Philadelphia
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John Barry was an Irish-born American naval officer who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War. He has been credited by some as "The Father of the American Navy.
The statue of Commodore John Barry, "The Father of the American Navy", in Independence Square, on the south side of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
This historic precedent of Colonial Georgian Architecture sits at the heart of Philadelphia's old city center. Independence Hall also played a crucial role in the founding of the United States, as its storied assembly rooms witnessed the signing of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.
Okay, I don't really know if this street is historic but it was right next to Independence Hall so if it was there in the 1700s, some very famous figures in American history must have walked on it, right?
ABOUT THE SERIES
In June 2010 Michelle and I traveled to Philadelphia (and surrounding areas) for a summer vacation and to visit her extended family. I'd been to Philadelphia twice before, once in eighth grade and once during college but I only remember bits and pieces of each previous trip. The trip during college was during the 2010 Republican National Convention (I wasn't there for the convention) and I remember the entire city resembling a police state with police everywhere due to all the protests.
Anyway, it was great to return to the city and see some of the surrounding areas I hadn't explored before. We visited during a heatwave (90 degree heat with intense humidity which apparently is a little unusual in June but typical in August) but it was well worth the trip.
Old postcard of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. This is a replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. Sent to a Postcrosser in Poland.
The Assembly Room
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both signed in this room. See:
www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-independence...
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
- Preamble, The Constitution of the United States
Founding Documents, National Archives:
www.archives.gov/founding-docs
Photographed January 2001
(Scanned 35mm color negative)
This historic precedent of Colonial Georgian Architecture sits at the heart of Philadelphia's old city center. Independence Hall also played a crucial role in the founding of the United States, as its storied assembly rooms witnessed the signing of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.
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Better on Black, Press L
A Panoramic shot taken of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
More to come soon, and for those of you who are Father's, have a great Father's Day and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
About the Photo:
Processed in Photoshop
Canon 350 (Full Spectrum)
50mm
f/7.1
ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/100
Filter: Hoya Red 25A
***All Rights are Reserved***
Instead of touristy square composition I framed this series of photos to hopefully capture some mood. These are photos I took at and around Independence Hall where our countryman signed the Declaration of Independence located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
Title: Monterey, from Independence Hill, in the rear of the Bishop's Palace. As it appeared on 23d. September, 1846. (Looking East.)
Creator: Whiting, Daniel Powers, 1808-1892; Swinton, Frederick J. (lithographer)
Contributors: G. & W. Endicott (Firm) (printer)
Date: September 23, 1846
Part Of: Army Portfolio
Place: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Physical Description: 1 print: lithograph, part of 1 portfolio (5 prints); 48 x 61 cm
File: ag2002_1439x_5_opt.jpg
Rights: Please cite DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University when using this file. A high-resolution version of this file may be obtained for a fee. For details see the sites.smu.edu/cul/degolyer/research/permissions/ web page. For other information, contact degolyer@smu.edu.
For more information and to view the image in high resolution, see: digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/mex/id/1689
View Mexico: Photographs, Manuscripts, and Imprints
I was very pleased that almost nothing of the 21st century was in the shot. It almost could have been an 18th century view.
Independence Hall - Philadelphia
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Philadelphia. Although the largest and oldest city of Pennsylvania, it is not the capital- that is Harrisburg (pop. 500,000.) which became the capital in 1812. Philly, as it is known, has 1.5 million people but the metropolitan area has 5.5 million. The city is the fifth largest in the USA. Nearly half of the 1.5m inner city population are African Americans. The city straddles the Delaware River (named after the local Indian tribe) and the Schuylkill River. It started out as part of William Penn’s Commonwealth (i.e. Pennsylvania is not a state, like Massachusetts) but prior to this Dutch (hence Schuylkill) and Swedish traders had settlements here. The Quaker Penn founded his Commonwealth in 1682 to provide religious toleration for all, including Catholic Calverts, Dutch Mennonites (now called Amish) and many German settlers. The city grew as a trading centre and by the time of the troubles that led to the War of Independence in the 1770s it was the largest city of the colonies with around 30,000 inhabitants. (At that time Boston had around 18,000 inhabitants, and New York, 22,000 residents) Because of its geographic location mid way between Massachusetts and the Carolinas it became the focal point for the War against England. The first and second Continental Congresses to discuss grievances against the English were held in Liberty Hall in Philadelphia, and Philadelphia became the national capital in 1790 until that was moved to Washington DC in 1799. It was the leading financial, trading and cultural centre of 18th century America.
Benjamin Franklin was a leading citizen of Philly. He became a Founding Father, and was a noted scientist (electricity), inventor (the lightening arrestor) and philosopher. He edited the local newspaper that helped to incite fury against the British. During the War of Independence he was the Ambassador to France securing financial and other assistance for the rebelling colonies. In his day he was esteemed second to Washington in the New Nation. He was the first US Post Master and is depicted on the $100 note.
During the War of Independence the British twice attacked Philadelphia. The Continental Congress which was meeting there fled to Baltimore and General George Washington defeated the English at the battles of Trenton and Princeton. The British attacked again in 1777 and then the Continental Congress fled to Lancaster; Washington was beaten at the Battle of Brandywine (near Wilmington) and the citizens of Philadelphia fled. The French helped the Americans drive the English out 10 months later! Some of the old cobblestone streets that would have witnessed this drama still exist in Philadelphia. The Historic City area was declared a National Monument in 1972.
Independence Hall. The ‘Founding Fathers’ were wealthy businessmen and politicians from all the colonies. It was an unheard of thing and revolutionary for the colonies to come together to discuss any issue. However, these business men and politicians were furious about the Boston Tea Party (the tax on tea) and other trading issues. Their first meeting, named ‘First Continental Congress’ was in 1774 and they agreed upon a set of resolves and petitioned George III, expressing loyalty but wanting their grievances remedied. Those present included Washington, John Dickinson (we visit his plantation later), Ben Franklin, Sam Adams, etc. At the Second Continental Congress in 1775 they established a Continental Army, and after a yearlong deliberation, agreed upon and signed the Declaration of Independence. The declaration was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson. It was signed in Philadelphia on 4th July 1776. The Founding Fathers met here again in 1787 to draft the formal Constitution which was later ratified by the colonies. After independence the meeting was known as the Confederation Congress. After the peace treaty with England in 1783 it became known as the Articles of Confederation. Almost all meetings were held in Philadelphia. Once the failures of the style of weak national government known as the Articles of Confederation were realised the politicians met again to formulate a Constitution with much stronger national powers. The first Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787. The Constitution was primarily written by James Madison (a later President from 1809-17.) It took several years before the required 9 colonies of the original 13 had ratified it. The United States with a Congress came into operation in 1789. Washington was the first President. The old Pennsylvania colonial Assembly Hall which became the Continental Congress is now known as Liberty Hall. It is a great example of American Georgia style architecture.
Betsy Ross House. This is the most visited building in Philadelphia and it claims to be the home for Betsy Ross who is claimed to have sewn the first American flag- the stars and stripes. The Georgian style house was built around 1740 and Betsy Ross and her husband lived there during the War of Independence era. She is credited with presenting the flag to Washington but there is no evidence for this. She was a Quaker and she and her first husband established an upholstery business. During the War she sewed blankets and made tents for the Continental Army. A grandson of Betsy Ross promoted the idea that she designed the flag in 1876 for the centenary of the Declaration of Independence. She was one of several flag makers in Philadelphia. The Flag Act was passed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1876. No designer is given credit for the flag. But Betsy Ross is still held up as a model for young American girls.
Valley Forge and the War of Independence and Red Coats.
Valley Forge, just minutes away from the largest shopping centre in the US- the King of Prussia Centre, was not a battlefield of the War of Independence but the place where General George Washington established a camp for the soldiers of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78. Washington and his troops had finished a nearby battle against the British and needed a secure place to camp for the winter, and they chose a spot 25 miles from Philadelphia. The valley was easily defended and 1,000 log huts were built. A total of 12,000 poorly clothed, equipped and fed troops stayed here for six months. But food was often short and consisted of not much more than a flour and water loaf -what we would call damper. Most of the horses starved to death. Dampness and diseases like dysentery and typhoid killed 2,500 troops. Uniforms began to fall apart with use and there was nothing with which to replace them despite the snow and rain. But Washington persisted and Baron Von Steuben arrived from Prussia (hence the name ‘King of Prussia Shopping Mall’) to drill and train the remaining troops. The French government paid Von Steuben’s fare to Valley Forge to train the American troops. He wrote the Revolutionary war Drill Manual, used by US troops until the War of 1812. Camp followers helped nurse the sick and dying and gradually morale was lifted as the summer weather approached. Washington and Von Steuben marched towards New York City in June 1778 to fight the advancing British. This time their troops were trained and in good spirits and by then they had an alliance with the French. Washington and Von Steuben had transformed a group of raggedy farmers into a disciplined fighting army ready for a five year war against the supposedly superior British Red Coats.
Valley Forge National Historical Park covers 3,500 acres of encampment sites, reconstructed dwellings, fortifications and a chapel. The key attraction is the charming restored two storey house used by Washington as his headquarters during the nearly 7 months that the camp at Valley Forge operated. The Welcome Centre includes a museum with artefacts from the camp and various displays. There is a chapel and a National Memorial Arch in the park. The words of General Washington express some of the sentiments many American people have for this site.