Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted by the Founding Fathers of the United States. The Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1776, and the U.S. Constitution was written here in 1787. A National Historic Landmark, Independence Hall is recognized globally for its impact on the pursuit of freedom and democracy. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. On This Day in History, August 2, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was Signed in Philadelphia. John Trumbull's "Declaration of Independence" is often thought to depict the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, but no signing took place on that date. Take a tour of Independence Hall to see the place where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed in this room. Later, the room became a shrine to the founding of the nation, proudly displaying the Liberty Bell and original paintings of the Founding Fathers. The West Wing of Independence Hall, which features original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States. — Photo courtesy National Park Service Inspiration for the Constitution came from Philadelphia founder William Penn’s 1701 Charter of Privileges, which allowed for individual rights and self-government in The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence occurred primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. See what it's like to tour Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. The United States was born in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. But the city’s importance stretches well beyond that date due to the political, economic and cultural events that informed and grew out of independence. Modern Philadelphia preserves these sites and stories, making it an unrivaled destination for history buffs and for anyone looking to learn more about American history. Start in After serving on the Philadelphia Committee of Safety, his expertise in financial matters made him a natural choice for the Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence On June 7, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794) formally presented a plan for the colonies to declare independence, create a national government, and enlist the aid of foreign nations in the war effort. The motion was seconded by John Adams (1735-1826), but political resistance to independence was still deep in the Congress. August 2, 1776, is one of the most important but least celebrated days in American history when 56 members of the Second Continental Congress started signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Officially, the Congress declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, when it approved a resolution in a unanimous vote. When was Declaration of Independence signed? While adopted on July 4, 1776, the engrossed Declaration of Independence was primarily signed on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. Independence Hall is the birthplace of America. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside this building. The legacy of the nation's founding documents - universal principles of freedom and democracy - has influenced lawmakers around the world and distinguished Independence Hall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction on the building started The Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence—written largely by Jefferson—in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now celebrated as the birth of American independence. The signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia was an act of extraordinary courage and patriotism. The document itself, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the unalienable rights of all individuals and the need for self-government. On August 2, 1776, roughly a month after the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, an “engrossed” version was signed at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia by most of the congressional delegates (engrossing is rendering an official document in a large clear hand). The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775. This time it met in the Pennsylvania State House, or Independence Hall, as it is now called. Explore the National Parks of Philadelphia Philadelphia is home to four seperate National Park Serivce units all within a short walking distance. While visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, be sure to visit the city's other National Park sites.
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