Before, during, and after the American Revolution, Philadelphia was the focus of cooperation among the American colonies. A center of nationalist spirit in its own right, Philadelphia was home to the Continental Congresses which met at the time of the Revolution. In 1787, delegates from the states of the newly independent nation again convened in Philadelphia, this time to draft the U.S. Constitution. The sites listed below will help you see all there is to see in this historic city and region.

Independence National Historic Park is the National Park which encompasses Independence Hall and the surrounding area. Visitors can tour Independence Hall, visit the Liberty Bell, and learn about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. This site provides directions, operating hours, and other information for those planning a visit. There are also pages which provide additional details on the history of the various buildings and the events that happened in them.

  • Independence Hall - Photos and brief description of the State House - now Independence Hall - and the events that took place there.
  • Carpenter's Hall - Site of the first Continental Congress, Carpenter's Hall was a key meeting spot during the struggle for independence.

Writing the Declaration of Independence and Constitution - It wasn't easy! This page describes the positions and compromises which led to the creation of these important documents. The basic facts are suitable for middle schoolers, but some of the additional detail would be better suited to high school students. There's lots of information here!

Ben Franklin is one of America's most colorful patriots. His accomplishments as legislator, diplomat, and scientist were recognized as extraordinary even in his own day. Philadelphia's Franklin Institute has a memorial to Franklin. You can include it in your Philadelphia visit, or learn more about it here.

Who Wrote the Constitution?? - Here's a collection of biographies of the people who were responsible for writing our Constitution. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention were an interesting group, and this site lets you learn more about them.

 

Virtual Reality Independence Hall - If you can't make it to Philadelphia, this site will let you take an interactive walk through Independence Hall.

Valley Forge National Historic Site - This is the guide to the National Park Service site at Valley Forge. Visitors can tour a number of buildings associated with the Continental Army's winter there.

  • pdficon.gif (272 bytes)Click here for a map of Valley Forge, suitable for viewing and printing.

Philadelphia's Revolutionary Military History is the subject of this site, which recounts how the experience of Valley Forge and related actions relates to the progress of the Continental Army in their drive to expel the British from the Philadelphia area. This site is a private "labor of love" by a fan of military history, so there may be more detail here than some kids need.

Teachers' Guide to Valley Forge Events - This guide to the events at Valley Forge was created by an 11th grade high school teacher and his class for their use in studying the Revolution. It presents a comprehensive look at Washington's troops and their circumstances during the winter at Valley Forge.

 
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