Independence National Historical Park

Independence Mall facing south. Independence Mall is in the distance
and building at right houses the Liberty Bell.

Gardens with trees, flowering bushes and trees along the east perimeter
of  Independence Mall. (photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Independence National Historical Park covers over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within Philadelphia and is nicknamed "America's most historic square mile" due to the many important sites associated with the establishment of the United States within its borders.

The National Park Service, which administers the park, lists over thirty sites to explore within its boundaries. Many visitors like myself would have to pare down this list to a number that will fit within the time of a stay in the city.

The primary attractions are Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were adopted, and the Liberty Bell. Other points of interest include National Constitution Center (not operated by the NPS), President's House Site (the first "White House"), Washington Square (site of Tomb of the Unknown Solider), Second Bank of the United States (housing the Portrait Gallery) and Merchant's Exchange Building.

The broad plaza bookended by Independence Hall in the South and the National Constitution Center on the north with the Independence Visitor Center and Liberty Bell Center in between is Independence Mall. The mall was created in the 1950s to bring more open space to this historic district of the Philadelphia.

Along the east perimeter of the mall is a park like area complete with trees, bushes and benches. During this time in October, it is still pretty with with leaves and flowers and provides a quiet respite from the large tourist crowds visiting the area sites. Visit nps.gov for a list of all the historical attractions and additional information.

Trees at the Liberty Bell Center 

Other buildings in the are blend in with the historical sites of the
Independence National Historical Park.

Map of Independence National Historical Park.

Click on the map to view a larger version.