Independence Hall, 1775 Metal Ornament

Independence Hall, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in the United States. Construction of the hall began in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House, designed by architect Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton. The building's notable features include its Georgian architectural style and its steeple with a clock and a bell, now known as the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall gained fame primarily for its role as the location where both the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention of 1787 took place. It was in this hallowed hall that the United States Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, signifying the colonies' formal break from British rule and the birth of the United States of America. Independence Hall's historical significance continued in 1787 when delegates from the thirteen states gathered for the Constitutional Convention. It was here that the United States Constitution was drafted, debated, and ultimately signed on September 17, 1787. The building also housed the famous discussions over the Bill of Rights, which became the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Today, Independence Hall is open to the public as a symbol of American democracy and the birthplace of the nation. Its rich history, including the Liberty Bell's association with it, continues to draw visitors from around the world, making it a cherished symbol of American freedom and democracy.