We had been to New York City on a trip to visit Erik and April in 2014. Wanting to get to Philadelphia in time to do some sight seeing, we planned to bypass the City by taking the Tappan Zee Bridge then going into New Jersey, and then Pennsylvania.
Crossing the Hudson River on the Tappan Zee Bridge
View of one of the widest spots on the Hudson River from the Tappan Zee Bridge.
We had mapped out our entire route before leaving home. Shirley and April had checked the internet for routes and exits before we left Connecticut. Armed with that information and thinking we could use our GPS away we went. All was well until we entered New Jersey. The GPS told us to take a turn that was not on Shirley's list which I did. Bad decision. We spent an extra 30 minutes touring Newark until we could get back on I-95. The GPS was turned off and was only used when we were within the last few miles of our destination. Lessons Learned: 1) make sure you have good maps and have planned your route in advance. Then stick to it.. 2) Always listen to your wife and not to the GPS. A GPS is useful but should not be solely relied upon to get you where you want to go.
Across the Ben Franklin Bridge, over the Delaware River, and we will be in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
Believe it or not, Independence National Historic Park is the first National Park we have ever been in that required us to process through a security check just like we were boarding a plane.
Independence Hall
On the first floor and to the right is the former Chambers of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Across the hall is the Assembly Room. It was in this room that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America were debated and signed.
This photo of George Washington signing the Constitution hangs in the East Wing Orientation Room of Independence Hall. We know it was the Constitution he was signing because when the Declaration of Independence was signed, George was with the troops fighting.
The Governor's Council Chambers, Committee Room and Long Gallery are located on the second floor of the Hall; but, our tour did not take us to these areas. There is a gallery in the West Wing of the Hall which displayed replicas of historic documents that was interesting.
Congress Hall is the building next to Independence hall (on the right when facing Independence Hall) and served as the seat of the United States Congress from December 6, 1790 to May 14, 1800. During Congress Hall's duration as the Capitol of the United States, the country admitted three new states, Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee; ratified the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution (first 10 Amendments); and oversaw the Presidential inaugurations of both George Washington (his second) and John Adams.
Congress Hall (Formerly the Philadelphia County Courthouse)
House Chambers on First Floor of Congress Hall.
Senate Chambers on Second Floor of Congress Hall
No trip to the city of Philadelphia and Independence National Historic Park would be complete with out seeing the Liberty Bell. The State House bell, now known as the Liberty Bell, rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) beginning in 1751. That bell cracked on the first test ring. Local metalworkers melted down that bell and cast a new one here in Philadelphia. After 90 years of use, the bell cracked again. The crack was made larger and drilled to prevent further cracking and restore the bell's tone but it didn't work as hoped.
The Liberty Bell is on display in a large building with displays depicting its history. You can see Independence Hall in the background behind the bell.
Shirley and I didn't want to have to do much driving in downtown Philly so we got a hotel close to the National Park. Needles to say, we paid for the location as the hotel charged 5 star prices for 1 star accommodations. Oh well, we got what we paid for (location).
View from our hotel room in downtown Philly.
Tomorrow on to Washington D.C.
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