Is Philadelphia America's Most Historic City?

What Makes Philly America’s Most Historic City?

Three early treaties set the tone.

They’d shape Philadelphia and go on to have global impact in the following century.

Philadelphia’s Founding: A Settlement That Set the Standard

William Penn’s 1701 Charter of Privileges granted inhabitants of Pennsylvania religious freedom, individual rights and the opportunity of self-government.

It also helped shape the U.S. Constitution 86 years later.

The First Peace Treaty: Coexistence in the New World

William Penn and Lenape Chief Tamanend agreed to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in the Treaty of Shackamaxon, shortly after Penn’s arrival in 1682.

Penn Treaty Park   — Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Early Fight Against Slavery

The Germantown Quaker Petition of 1688 was the first protest against slavery by a religious body in the English colonies.

Philadelphia Quakers would go on to lead abolitionist, Underground Railroad and civil rights activities for three centuries.

Historic Philadelphia Neighborhoods: A Living History.

Being the best American history city doesn’t just mean we’re the home of big ideas. It also means visitors can walk through the past in many well-preserved historic communities throughout Philadelphia.

Case in point: Philadelphia has more Colonial-era buildings than anywhere else in the U.S.

Pull out your camera for the red brick houses and charming alleys of Society Hill or the Victorian and Italianate beauties surrounding Washington Square. Better yet, immerse yourself in past lives on a historic home tour in the city or in Fairmount Park.

Philadelphia also has some of the most historic neighborhoods in America.

The essence of the past is preserved along (and inside the homes of!) Elfreth’s Alley, one of the oldest continuously lived-on streets in the country. It’s also preserved in Historic Germantown, settled in 1683 by Europeans escaping religious persecution, and the site of the Battle of Germantown against the British in 1777.

Elfreth’s Alley   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

The Greater Philadelphia area has a whopping 67 sites on the National Register Of Historic Places.

These National Historical Landmarks note significance in art (Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts), architecture (PSFS Building), social activism (New Century Guild) and science (Wagner Free Institute of Science), in addition to the many sites in Independence National Historical Park.

Wagner Free Institute of Science   — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia: Epicenter of the Revolution

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, July 4, 1776, making Philadelphia the birthplace of the nation. Many of the historic buildings from the 18th century have been preserved as part of Independence National Historical Park, called the most historic square mile in the U.S.

Betsy Ross House   — Photo by S. Moore for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

As the first capital of the United States, the city played a crucial role in shaping American history. So much so that in 2015, Philadelphia was declared the first World Heritage City in the United States for its indelible imprint on American history.

Stories abound. To name a few, there’s:

• sewing of the American Flag (thank you, Betsy Ross)
• symbolism of the Liberty Bell, started by abolitionists in the 19th century
• George Washington’s presidential inauguration at Congress Hall
• celebration of the first 4th of July at City Tavern, on July 4, 1777
• birthplace of the United States Navy and United States Army by congressional resolutions
• John Adams’ presidential inauguration at Congress Hall, marking the first peaceful transfer of power (and his stepping aside for Thomas Jefferson, in D.C., marking the first peaceful transfer between opposing political parties).

Cruiser Olympia at Independence Seaport Museum   — Photo courtesy Independence Seaport Museum

Take your pick from dozens of American history museums where you can revel in the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, African American history, immigration, civil rights and women’s suffrage, among other topics.

Hub of Religious Freedom

Spiritual freedom has also been integral to Philadelphia since its founding by William Penn.

As such, the city is home to the birthplace chapters of the American Episcopal Church (Christ Church), the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mother Bethel AME Church) and the Presbyterian church (First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia), as well as the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. (Mikveh Israel).

Mother Bethel AME Church   — Photo by P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia: Capital of Innovation, Advancement, Reforms and Inventions

Eighteenth and 19th-century Philadelphians thrived in many pursuits. Trace the steps of innovators at these Philly museums and landmarks:

• The U.S. financial system started in Philadelphia. Plaques mark the spot of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s home and office, while Carpenters’ Hall housed the First Bank of the United States before its building opened (and will reopen in 2026). The Second Bank of the United States (turned portrait gallery) is just steps away.
• Philadelphia’s legacy of scientific exploration includes the American Philosophical Society, the famed Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the nation’s first natural history museum and a resource for the country’s early western explorers.

Benjamin Franklin Memorial Statue at The Franklin Institute   — Photo courtesy The Franklin Institute

• Philadelphia founded America’s early medical schools and societies, including the College of Physicians and the Mütter Museum, which contains a vast collection of anatomical models and medical instruments.
• The Fairmount Water Works, a technological marvel, was the first municipal water service in a major city.
• Eastern State Penitentiary was a pioneering attempt at prison reform, and to this day advances public understanding of the criminal justice system.

Pro tip: Travel back to the glory days of the 1876 Centennial Exposition — a world’s fair marking America’s emergence on the global stage — via a 20-foot by 40-foot scale-model diorama of the Centennial fairgrounds, on view at the Please Touch Museum.

Embodying the early American spirit, Philadelphia stacks up as one of the most historical places to visit in the United States.