Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

9 May 2003

Every year the fifth grade class at my school goes on a class trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We go on this trip to learn more about the American colonies and the Revolutionary War.

I went to see the Liberty Bell. We stood in line for an hour to see it. It is important because it is a national symbol. The bell was ordered in 1751 and was first rung in 1753, when it cracked. It was recast, but people didn't like the sound of it. The bell was rung to call people together for special announcements. On July 8, 1776 it called the people to hear the Declaration of Independence read for the first time. After the Revolutionary War it was rung to celebrate Washington's birthday (February 22) and the Fourth of July. No one knows when the crack appeared on the recast bell, but it last rang on Washington's birthday in 1846. After that the crack was too big to ring it anymore.

I visited Independence Hall. The Continental Congress met there. The Continental Congress declared their independence from England and King George III. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence which was signed on July 4, 1776. It was signed in the room in the picture below.

I met Ben Franklin (or the actor who plays him). Franklin lived in Philadelphia. He was a printer, an author, an inventor, a diplomat and he was present when the Declaration of Independence was signed. He helped to convince some members of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration. Some people were afraid of the King's wrath.

Franklin was also curious about the world. He flew a kite in a lightning storm with a metal key on it and observed electricity.

I had a really great time in Philadelphia and would like to go back with my family.

Return to Home Page
Go to Top of Page
Independence National Historical Park