Independence Hall is one of the most historically significant buildings in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it was the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress and the site where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. This important landmark is filled with fascinating stories and secrets just waiting to be uncovered. Let’s explore 59 riddles and reveals about Independence Hall!
What was Independence Hall originally built for?
Independence Hall was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House in the 1730s. It functioned as the seat of the colonial and state legislature until the state capital moved to Harrisburg in 1799.
What other names has Independence Hall had over the years?
Independence Hall was first known as the Pennsylvania State House. It was also called the Province Hall and the State House before being renamed Independence Hall in the 19th century.
Which Founding Father designed Independence Hall?
Independence Hall was designed by lawyer and politician Andrew Hamilton with the assistance of Edmund Woolley. Hamilton was the speaker for the Pennsylvania colonial assembly who commissioned the State House to be built.
How long did it take to build Independence Hall originally?
The initial construction of Independence Hall took around 20 years, from 1732-1753. The building went through several stages of work before being completed.
What material is Independence Hall made out of?
Independence Hall is made out of red brick. The bricks were imported from England and each one bears the stamp of the maker.
What architectural style is Independence Hall?
Independence Hall is designed in the Georgian style of architecture, which was popular in the American colonies in the 18th century. Key elements are symmetry, proportion, and decorative details.
How many acres does Independence National Historical Park cover?
Independence National Historical Park covers 45 acres in Old City Philadelphia. It contains Independence Hall and many other historical attractions.
How tall is the main building of Independence Hall?
Independence Hall is a two-story building with a tall attic and steeple. The main building stands at 89 feet tall.
What symbol tops the steeple of Independence Hall?
A statue of Pennsylvania’s founder William Penn stands on top of the steeple of Independence Hall. The original wooden statue was replaced with a bronze version in 1894.
How many rooms are inside Independence Hall?
There are 9 rooms inside Independence Hall, including the Assembly Room, Supreme Court Room, Governor’s Council Chamber, and Committee of the Whole Room.
What was the original color of Independence Hall?
Independence Hall was first painted a reddish-brown color. Today, it is painted in a colonial period ivory hue known as “Independence Hall Tan.”
What was the first capital of the United States?
The first capital of the United States was New York City. It served as the meeting place of Congress from 1785 to 1790 before the capital was moved to Philadelphia for 10 years.
How many bells are in the Independence Hall steeple?
There is only one bell in Independence Hall’s steeple, which is the iconic Liberty Bell. The steeple originally held a working bell to summon legislators to meetings.
When was the Liberty Bell first hung in Independence Hall?
The Liberty Bell was first mounted in the State House steeple in 1753 when the building opened. It remained there until being removed in the 1840s.
What is the Liberty Bell made of?
The Liberty Bell is made of 70% copper and 25% tin, with traces of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver. This combination creates a resilient bell metal.
Who ordered the Liberty Bell to be made?
Pennsylvania colonial assembly speaker Isaac Norris commissioned the Liberty Bell to be cast in England in 1751 for the State House.
Why did the Liberty Bell crack?
The exact reason for the Liberty Bell crack is unknown, but it first cracked in 1846 likely due to a combination of metal fatigue and repeated repairs.
How much does the Liberty Bell weigh?
The Liberty Bell weighs about 2,080 pounds. Its dimensions are approximately 12 feet in circumference around the lip and 3 feet from lip to crown.
What biblical verse is inscribed on the Liberty Bell?
The Liberty Bell has the Bible verse Leviticus 25:10 inscribed on it: “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof.”
Where was the Liberty Bell hidden during the Revolutionary War?
To protect it from the British, the Liberty Bell was taken down from Independence Hall’s steeple and hidden in the basement of the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
What significant Civil War event involved the Liberty Bell?
On Washington’s Birthday in 1861, the Liberty Bell was tapped gently to mark the first inauguration of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War era.
How many panes of glass were originally in Independence Hall’s windows?
Independence Hall originally had diamond-shaped panes of glass installed in its windows. There were over 400 panes in all the windows combined.
What famous speech did Frederick Douglass give at Independence Hall?
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave his renowned speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” in front of Independence Hall.
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
The Declaration of Independence was signed in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall on August 2, 1776. This is now known as the Declaration Chamber.
Which early US President worked in Independence Hall?
Before becoming President, George Washington worked as a delegate in Independence Hall during the Continental Congresses of 1775 and 1787.
What artifact from King George III’s reign remains in Independence Hall?
A carved lion that was part of the monarch’s throne was saved and has been on display in Independence Hall since 1829.
What is the design of the Assembly Room floor?
The Assembly Room has an unusual checkerboard floor design. It is made from both pine and mahogany in an alternating pattern.
How old was Thomas Jefferson when he drafted the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson was only 33 years old in 1776 when he penned the original words of the Declaration of Independence.
Which artifact is stored in the brick cellar under Independence Hall?
An old printing press used to print America’s first newspapers and pamphlets is stored in the brick cellar under Independence Hall.
What unusual architectural feature does Independence Hall have?
Independence Hall has an open-air piazza, or arcaded walkway, that wraps around the south and east sides of the first floor.
What group occupies the second floor of Independence Hall today?
The National Park Service has offices on the second floor of Independence Hall now. Park rangers give talks in the Assembly Room daily.
Which Founding Father had an office in Independence Hall?
Benjamin Franklin had an office on the first floor of Independence Hall when he served as Postmaster General for the colonies.
What colony was Pennsylvania founded by?
Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 by the Englishman William Penn as a colony for Quakers seeking religious freedom.
What legend says William Penn entered a treaty with Native Americans at Shackamaxon?
Legend says William Penn entered into a peace treaty with Lenape Indians under an elm tree at Shackamaxon along the Delaware River.
What was William Penn’s vision for designing Philadelphia?
William Penn planned Philadelphia in an orderly grid system with five public squares, including Independence Square where Independence Hall stands.
What Phoenixville foundry originally cast the Centennial Bell that hangs in Independence Hall?
The Centennial Bell was cast at the Meneely Bell Foundry in Phoenixville to replace the Liberty Bell in 1876.
How long was the Second Continental Congress held at Independence Hall?
The Second Continental Congress met in Independence Hall from May 1775 to December 1776 as they led the American Revolution.
What important document was signed in the Supreme Court Room?
The United States Constitution was signed by the Founding Fathers in the Supreme Court Room on September 17, 1787.
Which religious leader had a pulpit installed in Independence Hall when it was built?
George Whitefield, the famous evangelical preacher during the Great Awakening, had a pulpit built into Independence Hall for his sermons.
What was the original name of Independence Square?
Independence Square was first known as the South East Publick Square when William Penn laid out Philadelphia’s original plan.
How many public entrances does Independence Hall have today?
Currently Independence Hall has two public entrances, one on Chestnut Street and one on Walnut Street.
Conclusion
Independence Hall is truly a national treasure brimming with history, intrigue, and discovery around every corner. As the birthplace of American democracy, it offers insights into the figures, documents, and decisions that shaped the United States. These thought-provoking riddles cover essential details as well as surprising facts about this landmark where our country as we know it all began. Whether you learned something new or solidified your existing knowledge, Independence Hall leaves a lasting impact on anyone who has the chance to visit in person or learn about its many stories.
