Today was an exciting look at where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were crafted and signed. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, a Quaker Hall, and Christchurch were highlights our costumed guide/professor/ teacher Pat took us through. She shared stories and took us to places not seen by most tourists, such as the only original cobblestone street remaining.
It was moving to imagine the incredible shifts in government that took place here as the British Coat of Arms was removed and burned after the Declaration was publicly read on July 8th 1776 and replaced by the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms. Imagine the risks that this declaration entailed and how this declaration was a model for 20 countries to declare similar independence over the next 25 years.
Pennsylvania truly is the Keystone State with 6 colonies to the north and 6 to the south, and with Philadelphia housing the best deep water port in the colonies, it is fitting that Philadelphia became the 2nd largest English speaking city in the world and home of the second location of the US capitol until construction in Washington DC was completed.
My favorite part of the day was learning about Benjamin Franklin. His abilities as a scientist, scholar, diplomat, inventor were magnificent. I appreciated hearing about his accomplishments as well as the human side of his private life. A brilliant man, but human and not perfect.
