As the 2nd stop on our historical tour, Philadelphia did not disappoint. Jim and I were glad we chose to go north to south on this tour. Besides the fact that heading south meant every city was going to get a little warmer, we are now learning that it allows us to move chronologically.
In Boston, we mostly learned about pre-revolution America. In Philadelphia, we were treated to the revolution and the struggles to create a Union. Tomorrow, we will be touring Williamsburg, Virginia, talking about the Civil War.
Jim and I have totally enjoyed our time in Philadelphia not just for the history. The city is beautiful and the people are wonderful. We would return to Philly in a heartbeat.
Here are my 10 reasons to visit Philadelphia. (They are in no particular order. It would be too difficult to rank them.)
1) The People – Philly has the friendliest people. Lots of smiles and laughter everywhere you go.
2) The City – Philadelphia is an incredibly pedestrian friendly city. It was the first planned city in America which means the streets make sense. It is so easy to find your way around. The side walks are wide and most of the streets are one way. Very clean. They recycle. (Makes me crazy to visit places that don’t recycle. Big surprise, I am a tree hugger.)
3) Independence Hall – Where our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and eventually agreed upon. Home to our Federal Government for the first 10 years.
Home to original “copies” (printed in 1776) of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The printer made several copies of the Declaration of Independence so they could be distributed across the lands and read to the people. The signed copy of the Declaration of Independence is in Washington DC. It was not signed until several months after the Revolutionary War broke out.
Independence Hall is home to the first “peaceful” exchange of political power the world had ever seen when Washington passed the presidency to Adams.
Fun Fact – Declaration of Independence was voted on and agreed to on July 2nd. July 4th was the day it was printed. Also, no one signed the Declaration. John Hancock’s name appears on the bottom. A document can’t be used to prove treason unless it has your signature on it.
4) The Liberty Bell – Jim and I stumbled upon security for the bell 10 minutes before closing so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We did miss out on the exhibitions so if you visit allow an hour to experience the Bell.
Fun Fact – The Bell was not called “Liberty” until the 1830’s when the abolitionist society started using it as a symbol to end slavery.
5) Washington’s War Tent – This was the most moving thing Jim and I have experienced so far. Afterwards, we both had to sit to soak it all in and compose ourselves. The tent is on display in the Museum of the American Revolution. Due to the delicate nature of the tent, it is kept in a room, behind glass, with very limited lighting.
The museum has created a small theater with a 15 minute video highlighting George Washington’s dedication to his troops. Washington would stay in his tent with his troops through the entire 8 year war only returning home to Mount Vernon once. As the video came to an end, the curtain was raised and the tent revealed. There was not a dry eye in the place.
A Model for Us All – It is difficult to think of Washington as a normal man. The world knew of him and many countries feared him. He could have been King but instead he was the first military leader to win a revolution then retire his commission. He had a way of relating to all people. Truly, a born leader. To date, the only president the country could agree on.
6) Architecture – There are many 18th Century structures including ….
The first and second location of our Federal Bank. Federal Banking had never been done so they did a 20 year trial run. Then they closed it. After 5 years, they decided to bring it back.
… Betsy Ross’s house …
The house that Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was upset when the Continental Congress started changing it to something they could agree on.
Several of the structures had blackened bricks turned on end to add a sense of elegance. I really like it.
7) “We The People” – Constitution Hall has a round theater where they perform a live talk on what it means to be “We The People”. They mix video and lights in with a person talking to the crowd. Incredibly moving. It got both of us.
Our Walk Away – Our government has always moved in and out of turmoil. We continue to grown and change. The passion of The People ensures our growth. What issues will our children’s children be fighting for?
8) A Non–Bias View Point – It was amazing how every place we went, they were careful to show all sides. To try to simply provide the facts. I now understand why the British taxed the colonies. After the French-Indian War, there was British Military stationed at the borders to protect the settlers from the Indians. Shouldn’t the settlers have to pay for their own protection?
9) Learning The Meaning of Compromise – If there was one thing our Founding Fathers and early government had to do it was compromise. Creating the Bill of Rights had to be a nightmare. Bringing together 13 state’s values plus all the territories and condensing them into a short list that all could agree on. Wow! Unlike today, these people knew they had to “Unity or Die” there was no other option.
The exhibits and tour guides stressed that no one got it exactly the way they wanted it. Even in the earliest of days, politicians were cutting deals. “I will vote for that if you vote for this”. Even the vote for the Declaration of Independence involved political maneuvering. The vote had to be unanimous. New York was a “NO” vote so they were encouraged behind the scenes to be a no show and another state abstained. The country was divided between people who wanted revolution, those that wanted to make peace with the King, and those that just wanted to be left alone… sound familiar?
10) The Philly Steak Sandwich – Why can’t we make it like this at home? We ate 3 sandwiches in a day and a half. We wish we would have had more. Can you eat a steak sandwich for breakfast?
Special Note …
Use Some “Common Sense” – I had never heard of the pamphlet “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine. He came from Britain in 1774. He wrote a pamphlet encouraging the settlers to start a revolution. It was his opportunity to be apart of building the world over again.
We are off to Williamsburg, Virginia and some more sunshine. We are traveling south as the huge winter storm is traveling north. Loving the train.
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