a traveler's blog

Philadelphia Sept. 4th 2010

On Saturday, yours truly went to the City of Brotherly Love to experience a living slice of American history. Before turning our attention to the historical sites, it must be noted that the Mutter Museum is a special destination in Philly. As I was unable to take photos in the museum, their website will give you an idea of the strange exhibits that reside at this museum. See for yourself.

Now, on to history. First stop is the famous City Tavern where American colonial elites such as Washington and Jefferson came for a meal, a beer and, of course, revolutionary talk.

To my surprise, the bar serves brews made from some of the founding fathers themselves. You can get more info on their website: www.atasteofhistory.org. This next photo illustrates four different types of beer crafted some of U.S.A’s first elite:

(from back to front) (1) The dark one in the back is George Washington’s recipe. It is a porter-style that is rich and sweet with a molasses flavor. It is also a bit malty; a characteristic of a stout-like beer. The recipe is on file at the NYC Public Library in the Rare Manuscripts Room. (2) The cloudy brown one is Thomas Jefferson’s creation. He made beer twice a year as a hobby. This unfiltered ale is delicious and reminiscent of today’s famous microbrews. It was my favorite beer of the lot. (3) Ben Franklin created this next brew while serving as ambassador to France during the American Revolution. It is lightly hopped and a bit spicy, almost like a cider. This beer was not one of Ben’s great creations! (4) And finally, Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist Ale. It is a Pilsner malt style beer with citrus flavors and aromas. It was crisp and flavorful. You can taste the citrus. Great as a summer brew.

Next stop is Christ Church where some of our founding fathers worshipped. Pews in the church are marked to show where actual historical figures such as George Washington sat during mass. This church was built is 1695 and was once the tallest building in Philadelphia; it’s tower could be seen across the Delaware River from New Jersey.

Betsy Ross made the first real American flag. We showed up at her house only to find a festival celebrating her contribution to the revolution. Her house seems out-of-place and stuck in time. Also, at Christ Church she sat next to none other than George Washington.

Benjamin Franklin is resting at the church’s burial ground. People from all over the country come here to pay their respects to one of the most famous men in history. His achievements include: (1752) Conducted his famous experiment with a kite, proving that lightning is an electrical phenomenon, (1775) Served as a member of the Second Continental Congress, and was appointed to the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence, (1776-1785) Served as ambassador to France, successfully securing French support for the newly formed United States,(1785) Won election as president of the executive council of Pennsylvania and, (1787) As a member of the Constitutional Convention, helped to establish consensus on the provisions for a federal government. Plus, he invented bifocals and the lightning rod, and charted the course of the Gulf Stream.

The Liberty Bell was casted in 1752. It has several meanings for the country, particularly independence. In colonial times bells were used to call people into meetings and churches. Also, they were used when the Declaration of Independence was read to the people of Philly. Now, in order to see this baby you have to wait in line a good twenty to thirty minutes. The bell is huge, and fragile looking.

Carpenter’s Hall is where the First Continental Congress met in 1774. This was the first time the colonial elite officially met to discuss kicking British buttocks. Still undecided, they had a Second Continental Congress starting in 1775 at the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) and got it right. Viva la Revolution Americana!

The old Custom House of Philadelphia houses some great portraits of revolutionary leaders and heroes. Many of these are life size portraits.

(Portraits at the Custom House)

John Paul Jones (1747-1792)

Navy hero in the American Revolutionary War.
Captain of the USS Ranger which attacked Great Britain; first naval offensive.

Accepted a job with Russia as Rear Admiral after the war.

Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804)

1st U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.

Nationalist who believed in a strong central government.

Killed in a duel against Aaron Burr; now buried near Wall Street in New York.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Writer, Politician, Scientist, Inventor, Statesman,

Founding Father, etc...

Ambassador to France 1776-1785.

It is his face you want to see in your wallet.

George Washington (1732-1799)

Farmer - Soldier - General - President.

Disliked serving a second term, refused to do a third.

Major dental problems, lost most of his teeth

early in life.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

Wrote the Declaration of Independence.

As third president of the U.S.

he bought land from France and doubled America’s domain.

Died on the Fourth of July exactly fifty years to the day.

Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

Wrote ‘Common Sense’ in 1776.

Most of the country read it and was inspired by its message of freedom.

Soldiers read this to each; it inspired them to fight.

Maybe you should read it! (it’s an easy read)

John Adams (1735-1826)

Second president after Washington.

Avoided full scale war with France.

His wife Abigail was his equal in both heart and mind.

Died the same day as Thomas Jefferson, exactly fifty years after the

Declaration of Independence, July 4th 1826.

Independence Hall, completed in 1753, is the main tourist site in Philly. It is where the original thirteen colonies met to declare independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence was debated and signed here. Note: Our founding fathers disagreed a lot. However, they agreed on what was important. Freedom.