Year: 2016

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I always enjoy going to the Liberty Bell when we are in Philadelphia, is symbolizes America’s Independence.  It was made in 1752 and was originally placed in the steeple of what we now know as Independence Hall which you can see in the background, and was cast with the lettering “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”.  It first  cracked when rung after its arrival in Philadelphia and the crack grew over the years.  In the 1830s, the bell was adopted as a symbol by abolitionists, who called it the “Liberty Bell.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We went on a tour of Independence Hall with a very enthusiastic tour guide.  I learned some new facts and was reminded of some old ones, namely, that Independence Hall is where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted, so in other words, it is where the United States of America was born.  It was completed in 1753 and was the Capital of the United States off and on from 1776 – 1800.  It is now a part of Independence National Historical Park and is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Philadelpiha, Pennsylvania

Today there is the Benjamin Franklin Museum where once stood his house.
Some of the buildings surrounding where his house once stood are still there,
so it gives us an idea of what his neighborhood was like.

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

From December 19, 1777 – June 18, 1778, General George Washington and his troops stayed at Valley Forge, which today, is a large national park preserved for our enjoyment.  Reconstructed structures such as theses cabins and other buildings as well as statues remind us of that devastation winter that created the soldiers General George Washington needed to defeat the British.

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Valley Forge National Historical Park encompasses 3,500 acres and is beautifully preserved with restored historic structures, reconstructed log cabins, farm homes, and monuments erected by the states from which the Continental Soldiers came.  There is a great driving tour thru this nationally protected area!

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

At Valley Forge from December 19, 1777 – June 18, 1778, General George Washington spent the winter with his troops, the Continental Army, until roads were passable and they were ready for the fight against the British.  Out of this terrible winter emerged a new Army, confident and ready to do battle. On June 19, 1778 the British abandoned Philadelphia.  Though the Revolutionary War lasted another five years, a major victory of the spirit had been won during the winter at Valley Forge.

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

We did a driving tour thru Valley Forge National Historical Park.  Valley Forge was a turning point in the Revolutionary War.  General George Washington decided to have his troops spend the winter at Valley Forge, a day’s march from Philadelphia, which had been taken by the British.  That winter the troops were trained and prepared for the fight ahead, though it was a very difficult winter and supplies were low, as Private Joseph Plumb Martin wrote, “We were determined to persevere.”  How grateful I am that they did persevere!!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We had a wonderful time visiting Philadelphia and seeing it from One Liberty Observation Deck. Philadelphia was the nation’s capital off and on from 1774 – 1800. It was founded in 1682 by William Penn and is known as the City of Brotherly Love because in Greek, Philadelphia means ‘Brotherly Love’.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia played a major role in the Revolutionary War, serving as one of the nations capitals. It was founded in 1682 by William Penn and named Philadelphia which in Greek means ‘Brotherly Love’. It is a large, robust city, the 5th largest in the USA.