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| Congress Hall sits at the cover of Chestnut and 6th Street within the block that includes Independence Hall. |
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| Senate Chamber on the second floor. |
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| House of Representatives Chamber on the first floor. (photos: TheHopefulTraveler) |
On the west side of Independence Hall is Congress Hall which served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress from 1790-1800. The House of Representatives met on the ground floor and the Senate met on the second level. The second level includes various congressional offices and meeting rooms.
Historic events at Congress Hall include the presidential inaugurations of George Washington and John Adams. After congress was moved to Washington, D.C. the building was used by Federal and lower courts. Today the building is lovingly restored to the period of time when it was the U.S. Capitol. Sitting in the House chambers, one can only imagine what it was like be in this room over 200 years ago. I heard someone remark about what they did for air conditioning on hot summer days. After hearing that I wondered too.
Admission to Congress Hall is free and entry is included with your timed Independence Hall ticket. Admittance times varies during the day. Visitors are seated in the House chambers while a ranger gives an introduction to the building and answers questions. Exploring the remainder of the hall if a self-guided tour. Visit nps.gov for more information.
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| The landing at the top of the stairwell gives a view of 6th Street. The building at right is the Liberty Bell Center. |
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| Above photos show some of the various offices and meeting rooms on the second floor of Congress Hall. |
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