City of Firsts : Continental Congress to Computers
Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Courtesy larryyerkes.com
“I love to annotate the phenomena of the city. I can be as solitary in a city street as ever Thoreau was in Walden. And no Walden sky was ever more blue than the roof of Washington square this morning.” essayed Christopher Morley of Philadelphia in 1918. Philadelphia skies have excited more than just men of letters and Philadelphians continue with their charming loyalty to a city thats extremely proud of its endlessly rich cultural climate.
Enveloped in a captivating saga Philadelphia is best remembered as the stronghold for independence acting as the hub of an emerging nation. Nurturing the genesis of political activism it evolved as the birthplace of American Revolution. The carefully maintained ivy-covered buildings of Independence, National Historical Park and other period structures lend the city its distinctive feel unlike any thing else in the U S.
Philadelphia or Philly as it is colloquially referred to officially gets known as The City of Philadelphia. Its the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and is also the sixth most populous city of United States. Additionally it is the fifth largest metropolitan area by population as also the nation’s fourth largest consumer media market. This is the place where the country was born and remains the number one destination that deserves a visit in person.
The city is much more than the Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. The truth is that the city presents multi-dimensional historical richness thats can be traced within the one square mile of its Historic District. You will easily understand a great deal about American Independence by taking a trip here. Even as you soak up the history you can catch up with fascinating trivia about the place adding to the awesome experience.
Independence Day Celebrations - Courtesy tbn0.google.com
Abounding in nicknames the city has a string of them. City Of Penn, City Of Homes, Quakertown, Quaker City, City Of Brotherly Love, Rebel Capital, Birthplace Of American Liberty, America’s Great Convention City, Sleepy Town, World’s Greatest Workshop, City Of Churches. All of them describe Philadelphia in all its vicissitudes. With of course the “cracked” American icon, The Liberty Bell, housed in Independence National Historical Park as its penultimate insignia.The Liberty Bell weighs an astonishing 2,080 pounds! The name Philadelphia inscribed on the bell was misspelled due to an engraver’s error!
With plenty of tourist attractions that keep visitors engrossed in doing it all up, it would do well to be reminded of certain Philadelphia facts that will keep you going. If you are planning to be in Philadelphia certainly such information can keep you one-up and may add interesting dimensions to your visit. It would do well to remember that Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Also, the John Barry Monument at Independence Hall is dedicated to the man considered to be the father of the U.S. military branch of the Navy.
True. Patriotism is in the very air in Philadelphia. You can turn it into an annual ritual to be part of the celebrations here on Independence Day when the atmosphere turns really lively and fun. Be warned though it can get really crowded and you would do well to have reservations made by Philadelphia Hotels. Fact remains that with some of the best fireworks displays here you might want to return again and again. Certainly the rich multi-racial demography is a big draw. It has been the first city in the world to grant tolerance to all religions. The Greek words philos adelphos named the city Philadelphia or ‘brotherly love’. It has been the first planned city, a community designed before it was occupied, a city with five parks within a short walk of every compass point.
Philadelphia Monopoly Hat - Courtesy www.wendyvee.com
- Independence Square was where the Declaration of Independence was first read.
- Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten version of the declaration can be found in Liberty Hall.
- The Congress Hall was where Congress met in the brief period in which Philadelphia was the US capital.
- Philadelphia’s Philosophical Hall has attracted the likes of Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and Benjamin Franklin as members over the years.
- Philadelphia is supposedly very haunted. If you want to go phantom hunting, then never fear, as there are ghost tours available for visitors.
- In Philadelphia you can sign yourself in as president at the National Constitution Center. Remember though – there’s no legally binding provision!
- Fans of iconic boxing movie Rocky can run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like Sylvester Stallone in the movie.
Philadelphia History - Courtesy i117.photobucket.com
- Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his portrayal of a lawyer with AIDS in the film named after the city.
- The main song from the film, Bruce Springsteen’s Streets of Philadelphia, was a major hit for The Boss worldwide.
- The Italian market is the oldest outdoor market in the whole of the States. You can indulge in some historic shopping while here.
- Head for the Civil War Library and Museum if you want to know all about the great big tiff between Generals Washington and Lee. Get all the info on the scrap between the Union and the Confederacy.
- Philadelphia’s city zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States.
- Never to be forgotten, the city’s most famous dish - delectable Philly Cheese Steak.
- And, if you are reading this thank Philadelphia. The first computer was made here way back in 1946! The rest as they say is history.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.
Tim Ramsey