Revolution and the Founders: Philadelphia History Tour

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   Visit The Liberty Bell, the most famous symbol of American liberty. Our guides explain its history and significance, and provide directions to see the interior if you choose to return later. The bell was cast in 1752, cracked on its first test, and recast in 1754 with the inscription from the King James Bible about liberty.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   Explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. The complex is a key symbol of American democracy. We highlight its main features and provide tips for further exploration, including a quick visit inside the East Wing, which served as the Supreme Court chambers.

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   See America's first 'White House,' where Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived when Philadelphia was the capital from 1790 to 1800. The house hosted dignitaries and Congress members, and even housed Benedict Arnold after his betrayal.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   Visit Congress Hall, the seat of U.S. Congress from 1790-1800 and the site of two presidential inaugurations. It’s a vital part of early American government history.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Walk through Franklin Court, home to Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention. The site includes museums and historic structures, and we discuss Franklin's influence and legacy.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   Visit the location of America’s first Pentagon, where revolutionary military strategies and intelligence were developed.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   Learn about Benjamin Franklin’s life—from his electrical experiments and printing career to his role as a statesman and diplomat.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   Tour the Benjamin Franklin Post Office & Museum, the only colonial-themed post office operated by the U.S. Postal Service. It features colonial-era memorabilia and the unique 'B. Free Franklin' postmark.

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   Visit Carpenters' Hall, site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where secret meetings with figures like Franklin and French spies took place, influencing the Revolutionary War.

10. Stop 10 Pass by

    See the First Bank of the United States, founded in 1797 and designed by Alexander Hamilton, a key figure in early American finance.

11. Stop 11 Pass by

    Visit the Second Bank of the United States, established in 1816 and modeled after Hamilton’s bank. We discuss Hamilton, Jackson, and their famous duels.

12. Stop 12 Pass by

    Walk past the American Philosophical Society, founded by Franklin in 1743, with notable early members including Washington, Jefferson, and Madison.

13. Stop 13 Pass by

    See the Library Company, established by Franklin in 1731, the first lending library open to the public. We discuss its history and significance.

14. Stop 14 Pass by

    Visit the historic home of Dolley Madison, where she lived with her first husband, John Todd, from 1791-93. The site offers a glimpse into 18th-century middle-class life.

15. Stop 15 Pass by

    Begin the tour with a brief introduction to revolutionary history and meet your guide at the starting point.

16. Stop 16 Pass by

    All guides hold a history degree, many are professors or history teachers, ensuring expert insights throughout the tour.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

We'll meet you directly outside the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center, one block north of Independence Hall and across from The Liberty Bell and President's House in the heart of historic Philadelphia.

Cancellation & confirmation