Independence National Historical Park
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| Independence National Historical Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category III (Natural Monument) | |
| Location | Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nearest city | Philadelphia, PA |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 44.88 acres (20.88 federal) 0.18 km² |
| Established | July 4, 1956 |
| Visitors | 4,087,918 (in 2004) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
Independence National Historical Park preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Administered by the National Park Service, the 45-acre park comprises much of the historic area of downtown (or "Center City") where Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Independence Visitor Center, and the National Constitution Center are located, along with dozens of other historic buildings and educational centers.
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The national historical park was authorized on June 28, 1948, and established on July 4, 1956. On March 16, 1959, it incorporated the Old Philadelphia Customs House (Second Bank of the United States) which had been designated a national historic site on May 26, 1939. As with all historic areas administered by the National Park Service, the Independence was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. Independence Hall was designated a World Heritage Site on October 24, 1979.
Today, what is known as Independence Mall is a broad plaza that has evolved over time.[1] The major parts of the Mall are:
The Mall as it is today, gets its name from Independence Hall. In fact, it was created from a plan made by Ed Bacon that involved demolishing established neighborhoods to creat a large open space. [2] The INHP is centered upon this open area, bookended by the National Constitution Center on the South and Independence Hall on the north.
Features of Independence NHP include:
- Philadelphia Bourse [3]
- Bishop White House
- Carpenters' Hall
- Christ Church
- City Tavern
- Congress Hall
- Declaration House
- Deshler-Morris House
- Franklin Court
- Free Quaker Meeting House
- Great Essentials Exhibit
- Merchants' Exchange Building
- Mikveh Israel Cemetery
- New Hall Military Museum
- Old City Hall
- Philosophical Hall
- Second Bank of the United States
- Todd House
Other NPS sites associated with Independence NHP but not located within its boundaries include:
- Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
- Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
- Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
- The National Parks: Index 2001–2003. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior.