For folks who are sticking around Philly for July 4, we can assure you that you won't be without things to do and sites to see. Your nights are already booked with firework shows, but there are plenty of events going on during the day, too. Here, we've compiled 14 important sites from the American Revolution, from the only standing fort in Philly to the many historic homes that hosted our founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Happy Fourth!
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14 American Revolution sites to see in Philadelphia
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Fort Mifflin
This site, right by the airport, is where the 400 men at Fort Mifflin held the British navy at bay for weeks, allowing George Washington and his troops to travel safely to Valley Forge. Today, it's the only fort in Philadelphia and one of the only remaining intact battlefields of the American Revolutionary War. It will host a July 2 celebration complete with picnics, reenactments, and cannon blasts.
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Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is in Washington Square, which served as a burial ground for fallen soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. In the 1950s, a committee decided to dedicate the park to George Washington and an unknown soldier. An archeological dig discovered an unnamed male who was about 20 years old at the time of his burial.
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Declaration House
You know where the Declaration of Independence was signed, but here's where it was actually written. Thomas Jefferson rented the second floor of this home and spent the summer drafting together the iconic document. This house, also called the Graff House, was originally built in 1775 and rebuilt in 1975.
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Cliveden
Cliveden, or the Benjamin Chew House, was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of Germantown in 1777. Today the beautiful Georgian-style house sits on six acres and offers tours.
It will host an Independence Day celebration on July 4 from 12 to 4 p.m.
It will host an Independence Day celebration on July 4 from 12 to 4 p.m.
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
George Washington and his Continental Army camped out here from 1777 to 1778 braving the winter cold. Much of the original structures remain, though there are some are recreations.
On July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the park will host Picnic in the Park, a day-long celebration including reenactments, food, and kid-friendly activities.
On July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the park will host Picnic in the Park, a day-long celebration including reenactments, food, and kid-friendly activities.
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Christ Church Burial Ground
Here's where some of our country's founding fathers and American Revolutionary heroes now lie, in a 1,400-plot cemetery by Christ Church. You'll find Benjamin Franklin's tomb, and walk along the same streets as Betsy Ross and Revolution-era folks did.
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John Wister "Grumblethorpe" House
Built way back in 1744, this was the home of John Wister, a Philadelphia merchant and wine importer. But during the Battle of Germantown, it was occupied by the British army's General James Agnew, who was ultimately shot and killed at this very site. His blood stains remain.
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Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
Stop by the smallest national park in the country, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial at 3rd and Pine. It was the home of a Polish revolutionary war fighter who moved to Philadelphia and was BFFs with Thomas Jefferson.
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Common Sense Historical Marker
While the print shop no longer exists, there's a historical marker here that marks the site where the Thomas Paine's infamous Common Sense pamphlet was printed. Common Sense was written in 1774-75 and advocated for the colonies' independence from Great Britain.
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Independence Hall
A visit to this spot during July 4 goes without saying. It's the site of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution signing, and it's going to host a long list of events throughout the weekend, from a Historic Block Party to a Philly Pops' concert to the Independence Day parade.
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Powel House
This gorgeous Georgian property was the home of Samuel Powel, the last Philly mayor under British rule and the first after Independence. He and his wife Elizabeth were considered a power couple during the Revolution era and were close friends of George and Martha Washington. During the war, British soldiers occupied the home.
It will offer $1 admission on July 1 (with pretzels!).
It will offer $1 admission on July 1 (with pretzels!).
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Bonus: Museum of the American Revolution
No, this brand-new museum doesn't date back to the American Revolution, but the thousands of artifacts housed here do. The Robert A.M. Stern-designed museum in Old City is hosting a weekend-long celebration for Independence Day, from July 1 to July 4. Everyday there will be a Declaration of Independence signing, a birthday celebration with cake on July 2 at 1 p.m., and a concert on the plaza by the Old Barracks Fife and Drum Corps on July 3.
Brandywine Battlefield Park
When it comes to the war of the American Revolution, most folks learn about the April 19 shot heard around the world at Lexington, or George Washington and his crew crossing the Delaware River. But the Battle of Brandywine was, in fact, that largest fought in terms of combatants on September 11, 1777. It's open on the Fourth of July.
Paoli Battlefield
This well-preserved 44-acre site in Malvern served as the grounds for the Battle of Paoli, also known as the Paoli Massacre. The American Revolutionary battle took place just weeks after the Battle of the Brandywine, which took place on September 20-21, 1777. Here, you'll find the second oldest war memorial in the U.S. and the oldest in Pennsylvania.
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