Beyond the Liberty Bell: 5 Historic Places to Visit Around Philadelphia

5/16/2016

A visit to the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are an excellent way to start a trip to Philadelphia, but the city also offers plenty of other historic sites sure to interest residents and visitors alike. Best of all, long lines aren't a problem at the attractions listed below.
Christ Church 22-26 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Many prominent historical figures were members of Christ Church, including Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and George Washington. Take a guided tour to learn interesting facts about the church's famous parishioners and view artifacts from the era. Tours are also offered at the Christ Church Burial Ground, where Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried.
Eastern State Penitentiary 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Eastern State Penitentiary offers a fascinating look at crime and punishment during Philadelphia's early days. Established by the Quakers in 1829, the penitentiary remained open until 1971 and once housed a number of notorious prisoners, including Al Capone and horse thief Joe Buzzard. The self-guided audio tour provides information on the penitentiary's history and its notable inmates.
Franklin Court 316-322 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106 A short walk down the street from Independence Mall is the much less crowded Franklin Court. The site features Benjamin Franklin's printing office and bindery and the country's first post office, which is still in operation today. An underground museum is dedicated to Franklin's many inventions.
Historic Mansions Powel House, 244 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106 Physick House, 344 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 There's no better way to relive Philadelphia's past than to visit one or two of the city's historic homes. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams frequently attended parties and events hosted by mayor Samuel Powel at Powel House, a Georgian mansion built in 1765. Dr. Philip Physick treated a number of well-known names from history, including Dolly Madison and Andrew Jackson, in his office in the opulent, 32-room Physick House. Both homes offer a glimpse into the lives of the city's rich and famous.
Washington Crossing Historic Park 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
Washington Crossing Historic Park is the site of George Washington's famous Delaware River crossing in 1776. The park is located about an hour north of Philadelphia and features a selection of restored Colonial buildings, including a general store, blacksmith shop, and several period homes. Indulge a love of history with a visit to one or more of these historic sites in and around the Philadelphia area.