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The history of this nation is writ large in lots of places – but in precious few with as lasting an impact as the city of Philadelphia. What’s right, and just and true about the places of importance is that access is free. Here’s a look at Philadelphia freedom, the kind that’s not for sale:

  • Start out at Independence Visitor Center. This is where you want to center yourself for trip ahead, to get a feel for the events that transpired in this city. Context is the key, and the center delivers it.
  • Before there was a United States, there were the 13 colonies, and the First Continental Congress. It met in 1774 in a place called Carpenters’ Hall.
  • “When in the course of human events…” Maybe you remember the rest, or at least much of it. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence at Declaration House. Whether he received his inspiration for those words within its walls isn’t the point – that he wrote them there is enough.
  • Once upon a time, Philadelphia was this nation’s capital and Congress Hall was where its representatives met, the first home of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate.
  • Independence National Historic Park is as historically rich a salient of America as there is. Home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and some 50 other attractions, you can spend a week taking it in and still (rightfully) feel there’s far more to see.
  • The ‘Big Two’ among Philadelphia’s historic attractions continue to be Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center. The former is where the two pieces of paper upon which our nation is predicated were adopted: the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Liberty Bell Center houses perhaps this nation’s most enduring symbol of freedom and resilience. Come see it.

(Image: cliff1066™)

About the author

Jerry ChandlerJerry Chandler loves window seats – a perch with a 35,000-foot view of it all. His favorite places: San Francisco and London just about any time of year, autumn in Manhattan and the seaside in winter. An award-winning aviation and travel writer for 30 years, his goal is to introduce each of his grandkids to their first flight.

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