Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia,
The Betsy Ross House is an interesting local attraction in Philadelphia, claimed to be the place where the first American Flag was created by Betsy Ross. The house is open to visitors at certain times of the year and can even be rented for private events. The building itself has been renovated many times over the years and contains many original artifacts from the history of the United States. Today it serves as a historical tourist center.
Philadelphia is named after the fourth US President, Benjamin Franklin who had a home in this city as well. Franklin's influence on local government and policy made him a key figure in the history of the state. He owned property at what is now known as Franklin Square which today is the location of the Franklin Museum and the Franklin Institute. His home at 16 Franklin Street remains a favorite tourist attraction in the area. The former Presidential residence of John Adams is located at what is today known as Adams Mills.
John Adams was born in Pennsylvania and according to popular legend, was the illegitimate child of a General Order of the White House gardener and his mistress. Because of this, he never knew his father and was adopted by the poet John Locke. Theories abound that the poet may have been the basis for the character of the Doctor Who character, especially in the television version. Much of what is known about the life of John Adams is gained from the First National Stamp Exhibition of 1792 which was held in Philadelphia.
One of the most striking features of the Philadelphia region is the connection between American history and local history. Two great attractions that tie the two together are the Philadelphia Art Museum and the Betsy Ross House. Both were built around the early American Revolution and are excellent for collecting period weaponry and uniforms. In addition to their connection to American history, both have interesting objects on display such as pottery, furniture, and weapons.
Just off the Parkway, a few blocks from the American History Museum at Center City is the Weisgerber Museum. This wonderful arts and culture facility was designed and built by an eccentric, but brilliant, artist, Carl Weisgerber. His flair for design and construction earned him the title of "ractor," which he used to describe his work. He designed or redesigned buildings and homes throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding regions including the Weisgerber House.
Arch streets running through Philadelphia are another important part of local history. Between 1776 and 1787, Philadelphia was a key hub of the Revolutionary War. On one side of Arch street, the United States Congress was assembled. On the other side of Arch street, Philadelphia went under as a center of the most tumultuous revolution in American history. Several streets in and around Philadelphia were particularly crucial in the development of the United States.
Two of the most significant events that shaped our nation occurred in the harbor town of New Philadelphia. The Continental Army attacked Fort Philadelphia at dawn on April 18th, 1776, while General George Washington and his troops were waiting to be reinforced by the British army. When news of this attack reached Philadelphia, residents rose to help the Americans. They gathered all the cannons they had and placed them in a nearby park, where the Continental Army began a massive assault on the fort.
Visitors today can still see the cannonballs used in that battle. Today, the Weisgerber Museum features a fascinating history of the First World War. The building houses a historic group of artifacts, including original maps, engraved books, Civil War artifacts, and a one-of-a-kind original floor plan, which was inspired by a design by Thomas Jefferson. Among the many famous attractions located in close proximity to the Weisgerber Museum is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Science Museum, and the U.S. National Mall. All these sites are within walking distance of the house on the brow of Philadelphia's historic downtown region.
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