The history of a place is often dictated by the fortune or misfortune of its location. A country like Poland, wedged between Russia and Germany is an example of unfortunate geography, while the city of Philadelphia is an example of the great virtues of being in the midst of it all. With poor transportation and roads in the original colonies, Philadelphia was the logical choice for the seating of the First and Second Continental Congresses. Later, it played the role of capital of the United States in the 1790s when both Washington and Adams were president.

The base for any history-based visit of Philadelphia is the Old City, a well-preserved historic area wedged between the modern downtown and the Delaware River. Full of quaint houses and leafy streets, the area is home to Independence National Park and numerous other historically significant attractions. The best known of the historic sights is, of course, Independence Hall.

The building today known as Independence Hall saw not only lengthy debates on whether or not to confront England, but the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Completed in 1753, Independence Hall was, at that time, the Pennsylvania State House when it was borrowed for these historic occasions. A large structure for its day with a tall bell tower housing the original Liberty Bell, the hall has two main light-filled rooms that are open to the public.

To see Independence Hall and the meeting room where the Continental Congress met, visitors have to take a short tour, about 30 minutes. The room itself is surprisingly small and laid out as it was when our forefathers were arguing over independence and the Constitution. Unfortunately the room’s furnishings are not the originals from the room but period antiques, with the exception of the chair that George Washington sat in during the proceedings. Your guide will be a National Parks employee and the spiel will be well rehearsed but mercifully short.

The entrance to the tour is at Chestnut and Fifth Street, outside the Old City Hall. The line for security can be long as they check every bag going into the site. If you don’t have a bag, you can go to the front of the line and get in quickly. Generally allow at least 15 minutes for security. Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms past the security checkpoint.

Next door to Independence Hall at the corner of Chestnut and Sixth Street is Congress Hall, where Congress met in the 1790s. Admission is free, tickets are not necessary and tours happen every 20 minutes. Across the street is the Liberty Bell Center, which houses the famous cracked bell. There are no tickets required to enter but the line can be long as a security check is required. To the north, past the Visitors Center, is the National Constitution Center with its interactive exhibits showcasing our system of government. The museum certainly warrants a visit, if only to get your photo taken in Signers’ Hall among the life-size sculptures of the signers of the constitution.

Of course, Philadelphia would not be what it is today without the influence of favorite son Benjamin Franklin. A brilliant inventor, businessman and statesman, Franklin’s influence on the nascent United States was immense. Justly revered in Philadelphia, Franklin actually spent most of his later life as ambassador in France. You can see his grave in the two-acre Christ Church Burial Ground on Arch Street, across from the Free Quaker Meeting House.

Nearby at 314-322 Market Street is Franklin Court where Franklin once lived. The house is gone but its location is signified by a 54-foot high frame sculpture created for the bicentennial in 1976. Beneath the court is an interesting underground museum dedicated to Franklin’s life. There is also an 18^th century printing shop plus a postal museum and working post office.

Other notable historic sights are within easy walking distance. Southwest of Independence Square is the picturesque Washington Square. This lovely park is the resting place for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Elfreth’s Alley (website), the longest continually occupied residential street in the U.S., is located off Second Street between Arch and Race. Also nearby is the Betsy Ross House, at 239 Arch Street, dedicated to its most famous resident and sewer of the first U.S. flag.