This majestic brick building was the Colonies' grandest public edifice when it was built in 1732.

by Contributor

In Short
The interior is rather modest, in keeping with the Quaker mandate for plainness, though some ornate details appear throughout the rooms, which seem alive with the fiery debates over freedom that fueled the American Revolution. The furniture displayed on the first floor is not authentic--British troops burned the originals for firewood. A draft of the original Constitution is on permanent display. Architectural historian William H. Pierson Jr. called it one of America's "most authentic English buildings surviving from the 18th century."

02/22/03

Looks Like A War Zone

by jwsamuel

The post-9/11 security measures make Independence Hall look like a war zone. It's ironic that a symbol of American liberty looks like a prison.

11/27/02

The first palce for any American to visi

by zawadzki

The birth of our nation -- need I say more ?

08/06/02

America's Birthplace

by Ariadne

There is nothing more thrilling than to be in the room where the Declaration of Independence was adopted. I can't stop thinking of Thomas Jefferson! No other place in the country has anything to equal this. We are so lucky to have this treasure at our disposal. I visit frequently to remind myself of the blessings of liberty and to thank the Founding Fathers.

• Pros: Historic, Patriotic, Thrilling