2008 Dan in Philadelphia

I'd been here in the Philadelphia area many times before, and I've explored Valley Forge National Park a few times. But since I'm always well west of town, I had never ventured into the city center to see the historical areas there. This day, however, I'd been saying how much I love history and how I'd never been to Independence Mall, when I suddenly realized I had the time to go down there. Of course I didn't want to fight the traffic, and the weather (rain/sleet/snow) was rotten, but I had no other excuses. So downtown I went.

In the morning I had explored Valley Forge again by foot, running around the park for a couple hours. On previous visits I had gone to the visitor center and other historical buildings to learn and take in all the history. So it was ironic to have been there in the morning and to Independence Mall in the late afternoon. I only had a couple hours, but that was enough time to see what I wanted: the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. I also spent a few minutes in a Ben Franklin museum.

I learned all about the history of Liberty Bell at the visitor center. I was vaguely aware that it predates the Revolutionary War, and that it was rung to call revolutionary meetings to order. I was also somewhat aware that it was hidden from the British as they occupied the capital (which at the time was Philly). I was surprised to learn that it also symbolized freedom and liberty for African Americans, both before the emancipation, and afterwards for civil rights.

Independence Hall gave me goosebumps. To stand where the signers of the Declaration of Independence debated, and to see their arrangement of tables and chairs was fantastic. Our other important document, the Constitution, was also ratified/signed here as well. Our guide, a National Park Service ranger, did a great job of bringing it all to life.

Even though the weather was so awful, the whole Independence Mall area had its own historic beauty. There is enough other stuff to see to spend an entire day or two there. Maybe next time. At least I did see what I did. And the weather *was* awful coming home.