Top Philadelphia Attractions - Philadelphia Travel Guide Video

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• published: 04 Nov 2009
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Take a tour of some of the most historic buildings of America. Historic Philadelphia is where the Founding Fathers laid the groundwork for the creation of America. Not only is the city packed with sites that commemorate what they did, but you can visit the places where they actually lived and worked. Let's start with Declaration House on Seventh and Market Street. Thomas Jefferson lived here during the time he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He wrote the document in three weeks. The Liberty Bell, right here on Sixth Street, is perhaps Philadelphia's most famous attraction. On July 8th, 1776, it was rung to commemorate the hearing of the Declaration of Independence. The Bell weighs 2,000 pounds, which may not be apparent by looking at it. It was cracked in 1846, and has not been rung since then. Across the street from the Liberty Bell is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Inside you can visit the room where the representatives gathered and you can see the actual inkstand that was used at that time. Congress Hall, as you might guess from the name, was home of the first Congress. On top of that, George Washington and John Adams were inaugurated here, and the Bill of Rights was ratified right inside. The Bourse Building was the first commodities exchange in the United States. This is the second bank of the United States which was modeled on the Parthenon in Athens. It was built in the early 1800's and was one of the most powerful financial institutions at one time. The Merchant's Exchange, right here behind me, is the oldest stock exchange in the US. City Tavern is a recreation of the original City Tavern where the founding fathers, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams used to meet. You can have an authentic Eighteenth Century dining experience here. Even the waiters where outfits from those times. Here is the first bank of the United States, which was operational from 1797 to 1811. At Franklin Court you can walk through Ben Franklin's house, kind of. Though the structure itself was raised in 1812, the ghost of it still stands today. Here is the Christ Church Burial Ground, another famous landmark, where Ben Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence were laid to rest. That was a short glimpse into the history of America. Most of these buildings are open to the public, check online for details. I am Brian Freedman, showing you Philadelphia.