Congress Hall

Congress Hall

Congress Hall Pixabay Public Domain

Congress Hall Pixabay Public Domain

Located in Independence National Historical Park, Congress Hall is an incredible, significant landmark of American history.

Constructed from 1787 to 1789, the Federal-style building was a County Court House before it became the meeting place for the Senate and House of Representatives. The landmark has been restored to resemble its appearance during the Revolution and use by our Founding Fathers. During its use, Congress Hall saw John Adams' and George Washington's second inaugurations, as well as the ratification of the Bill of Rights and admittance of three new states: Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Through Independence National Historical Park, there are ranger-led programs and tours which open up Congress Hall for avid explorers. Discover the first floor House chamber, the second floor Senate chamber, and the lovely restored carpet featuring the American eagle encircled with the stars representing the 13 original colonies. There are beautiful portraits and busts throughout the building including the larger-than-life images of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, gifts from the French government. Congress Hall has been wonderfully restored after its nearly continuous use over the years as a courthouse after the capital moved to Washington, D.C. If your group is visiting Philadelphia, you won't find a better educational destination than Independence National Historical Park and Congress Hall!