Philadelphia: The Birthplace of America
What better place to celebrate America’s birthday than Philadelphia, the city known as the “birthplace of America”? Despite the 13 colonies having long been established – in fact it was some 100 years before our Founding Fathers began their Philadelphia meetings – Philadelphia became the place where ideas, plans and documents to establish American’s independence from Great Britain began to take shape and ultimately move us forward to independence.
Carpenters’ Hall: Where It All Began
The first meeting of the First Continental Congress took place from September 5, 1774 to October 26, 1774 at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia. Twelve of the 13 colonies were represented and the discussions began. This meeting was spurred after the Boston Tea Party resulted in the British passing the Intolerable Acts, which were punitive laws to deter the Colonists resistance.
Independence Hall & The Declaration of Independence
The following May, another meeting convened at the Philadelphia State House (later renamed Independence Hall.) All thirteen colonies were represented. The previous April, the War of Independence had begun and while the goal was for peace rather than war, the Continental Congress established the Continental Army. In June, Thomas Jefferson began the first draft of what would eventually become the Declaration of Independence at a nearby boarding house, Graff House. While Graff House was torn down in 1883, a replica now stands in its place and is now known as Declaration House.
The Declaration of Independence was completed and adopted on July 4, 1776, however most of the delegates signed it on August 2, 1776.
Independence National Historical Park combines many historical sites, including those mentioned above, as well as the Liberty Bell, the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the National Constitution Center.
Explore America’s Most Historic Square Mile
More history can be found in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, also known as “America’s most historic square mile.” Here you can find the home of Betsy Ross of flag-making fame, the Museum of the American Revolution and much more. The cobblestone streets lend to the historic air of this interesting neighborhood that is also home to shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
To commemorate 250 years, celebrations in Philadelphia this summer include several FIFA World Cup 26 games in July, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 14, the Spirit of ‘76 – a cocktail trail with more than 30 hotels participating and serving innovative cocktails and mocktails – and the Welcome American Festival, which will feature live entertainment, fireworks, parades and more. For details on all these fun events, go to visitpa.com.
Stay Nearby
To visit these historic locations there are many options for campgrounds. Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake in New Jersey is just about an hour’s drive, while several of our campgrounds located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country are just a bit over an hour’s drive and they include
Happy Birthday, America!
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