Quintessential Pennsylvania

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia is Independence National Historical Park.  Celebrating both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, Independence National Historical Park is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and numerous other historic sites.   Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed, is the centerpiece of the park.  Built in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House as part of the Colonial Capital, Independence Hall was home to the Second Continental Congress (Declaration of  Independence) and the Constitutional Convention.   Statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall Tours of the building are free; however, the only way to see the interior is through a park guided tour.  The tour includes the Pennsylvania Assembly Hall which is where both the Declaration and the Constitution were signed. The Pennsylvania Assembly Hall where the Declaration of Independence was debat

  BELLE VERNON- Founded 1813.  The town was laid out by Noah Speer - whose family the nearby town Speers is named after.  Belle Vernon - originally named "Bellevernon " is French for "Beautiful Green". Speer's son, Louis, would found and lay out the town of North Belle Vernon in 1872.  The neighboring town of Speers was laid out in 1860.