Independence National Historic Park is the National Park which encompasses Independence Hall and the surrounding area. Visitors can tour Independence Hall, visit the Liberty Bell, and learn about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. This site provides directions, operating hours, and other information for those planning a visit. There are also pages which provide additional details on the history of the various buildings and the events that happened in them.

• Independence Hall - Photos and brief description of the State House - now Independence Hall - and the events that took place there.
• Carpenter's Hall - Site of the first Continental Congress, Carpenter's Hall was a key meeting spot during the struggle for independence.

Ben Franklin is one of America's most colorful patriots. His accomplishments as legislator, diplomat, and scientist were recognized as extraordinary even in his own day. Philadelphia's Franklin Institute has a memorial to Franklin. You can include it in your Philadelphia visit, or learn more about it here.

Who Wrote the Constitution?? - Here's a collection of biographies of the people who were responsible for writing our Constitution. The delegates to the Constitutional Convention were an interesting group, and this site lets you learn more about them.

• Map: The Park & Center City Philadelphia - Print out this map if you're headed to

Valley Forge National Historic Site - This is the guide to the National Park Service site at Valley Forge. Visitors can tour a number of buildings associated with the Continental Army's winter there.

• Click here for a map of Valley Forge, suitable for viewing and printing.

Teachers' Guide to Valley Forge Events - This guide to the events at Valley Forge was created by an 11th grade high school teacher and his class for their use in studying the Revolution. It presents a comprehensive look at Washington's troops and their circumstances during the winter at Valley Forge.