Historical Sites and Landmarks in Philadelphia
There are a few “Must-See” places in Philadelphia that are historical sites of importance, sites and places that have deep roots in American history. View our list of historical sites that you can visit on your next field trip to our city. We can add any of these sites or landmarks to a field trip itinerary, please mention any of these to our field trip planners.
Betsy Ross House
Visit the house of Betsy Ross – the Philadelphia patriot believed to have made the first American flag – and see how working-class people lived in Colonial Philadelphia.
Elfreth’s Alley
Walk down the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the nation and a National Historic Landmark.
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
Visit the site of the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution and the oldest fortification in continuous use in theUnited States, from 1771-1954.
Edgar Allen Poe National Historical Site
Learn about the brief and tragic life of the author Edgar Allen Poe in the house where Poe penned some of his classic stories.
Historic Franklin Court
Follow in the footsteps of Franklin and see the “Ghost House” depicting Franklin’s home; an underground museum with displays, including Franklin’s inventions and interactive exhibits; a real working colonial-era print shop; and the B. Free Franklin Post Office, the first in the U.S. founded by Franklin.
Historic Houses of Germantown
See where the Battle of Germantown was fought during the American Revolution, the first bible was published and more.
Independence National Historical Park
Tour “America’s most historic square mile” including, the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Second Bank of the United States, Congress Hall, Carpenters’ Hall and more.
National Constitution Center
Learn about the Constitution of theUnited States at the only museum dedicated to the Constitution; featuring more than 100 interactive, multimedia exhibits and “Signers Hall,” with life-size statues of the signers of the Constitution.
Philadelphia’s City Hall
Tour the largest and most elaborate city hall in the country, which features a 548-foot tower, topped by a 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn. See the actual cell of some ofAmerica’s most notorious criminals, including Willie Sutton and Al Capone at this architectural and historically significant prison.
Masonic Temple
This National Historic Landmark, which lists George Washington among its members, features guided tours through seven ornate lodge halls, each one representing a different architectural style.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Visit this historic site and recreation area where Gen George Washington and his troops survived the famed encampment of 1777-78.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Visit this 500-acre site and recreational area where George Washington led his troops across theDelaware River for a pivotal battle.
Christ Church and Burial Ground
Sit in the same pews where George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Benjamin Franklin worshipped and visit the burial ground containing the graves of Franklin and other famous Revolutionary War leaders
Longwood Gardens
Expand knowledge of botany at this premier horticultural display garden offering 1,050 of formal gardens, fountains, meadows, woodlands and nearly four acres of heated greenhouses.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Dig for dinosaurs, discover fossils and gems, and learn about the environment at this entertaining natural science museum.
Free Library of Philadelphia
A public library housing the best local history, travel and resource collection in the Philadelphia. The library also features a collection of rare books and manuscripts dating back to the country’s earliest recorded times.
National Liberty Museum
Celebrate American heroes and the ideals of freedom at this museum honoring more than 1,000 outstanding individuals of all ethnic backgrounds.
