Travel Attraction History: Philadelphia’s Role in American History

Philadelphia has been a part of America’s history since before the Revolutionary War. Throughout the centuries, many landmark events occurred in and near Philadelphia, making it a great place to spend the summer learning and traveling.

Beginnings

Philadelphia’s rich history began in the late 1600s. Starting as a settlement, Philadelphia quickly blossomed into a large, populous city. Decades later, in Philadelphia’s Liberty Hall, the Founding Fathers met, discussed, debated and slowly formed this country. Due to its significance, Philadelphia was named the Nation’s capital for a few years, before Washington D.C. was developed.

Historic Moments

The journey from British colonization to American nation took many years. Building America was a hard route, filled with a lot of learning and difficulty, doubts and success. Throughout this journey, many important moments for the nation happened here in Philadelphia:

1698 – The American Colonies built their first public school

1751 – The Liberty Bell was created to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of William Penn’s Charter of Privileges. The Charter established a local governing body to create and execute laws while recognizing the King’s and Parliament’s authority over the colony.

1776 – On the Fourth of July, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. Divided into five sections, the Declaration stated the necessity of independence from Britain. On July 8, the Liberty Bell was used to summon citizens to the first public reading of the Declaration.

1777 – The first U.S. flag on record was made by Elizabeth Ross, more commonly known as Betsy Ross. Each color is significant, with red representing valor, white as purity and blue as perseverance and justice. The stars were originally displayed in a circle, so no colonies were viewed as above another.

1787 – The United States Constitution was written, replacing the Articles of Confederation with a system of checks and balances between three separate branches of national government: executive, legislative and judicial.

1780 – Pennsylvania signed a state law to abolish slavery, making it the first state to do so.

1846 – The Liberty Bell’s cracks were deep enough to render it unable to ring. The Bell was last rung in honor of Washington’s birthday before it was retired. It can now be found at The Liberty Bell Center.

Philadelphia is proud to hold many museums and locations filled with significant history. Broaden your knowledge in the museums and attractions offered around the city. Spend your summer learning while you travel the nation!

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has multiple locations in and around Philadelphia. Each location is close to a variety of historical locations and local attractions. Come experience history like never before.