Philadelphia, PA - Benjamin Franklin: Philadelphia’s favorite Founding Father continues to influence his adopted city. His name, likeness, and philosophies permeate Philadelphia, and for a good reason.
Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin
The shortlist: He discovered electricity in storm clouds; founded the University of Pennsylvania, the American Philosophical Society, and the country’s first volunteer fire department; invented bifocals, swim fins, and the lightning rod; published Poor Richard’s Almanack and the country’s first political cartoon; helped to draft the Declaration of Independence; and signed the Declaration and the Constitution.
Visiting Franklin Court
Once the residence of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, Franklin Court is now a historical building in the city. He was not just a scientist who invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove but was a multi-faceted personality. He earned the title of "The First American" and became the first United States Ambassador to France.
The building has been transformed into a museum, which displays his personal belongings and other stuff. The building also houses a working post office and a print shop, which makes it worth visiting.
Several sightseeing tours are conducted by the local travel agencies, which you can choose from to witness the various attractions. Philadelphia day trips are quite popular as well as common among visitors. The Philadelphia history tour, which covers all the historical sites in the city, is a part of day trips. Some of the historical places in the city that are worth visiting include:
Visiting Franklin's House and Printshop
Benjamin Franklin’s house and print shop are some of the most popular sites in the Historic District. Visitors can still walk down the same passageway Franklin took each day and see how he used his printing press and printmaking during colonial times.
Ben Franklin's Grave
Both Ben Franklin and his wife Deborah are buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. Although he wasn't born here, Benjamin Franklin called Philadelphia his home and lived here for most of his life until his death in 1790. Visitors to the site can see the grave from the outside of the cemetery. You can tour the inside of the grounds for a fee, where visitors can place a penny on Franklin's grave.
Franklins Contributions to The Constitutional Congrees
During a meeting regarding the nation's Constitution, Benjamin Franklin noticed the sun on the back of the President's chair. He commented, “I have always wondered if the sun was rising or setting. Now, I have the pleasure to know that it is a rising sun, not a setting sun.“ Franklin was also responsible for the compromise of the states during the meetings.
