PA Historic Places

The Best America 250 Sites in PA | A Visitor’s Guide

America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 – a pivotal moment that launched the United States and its ideals of liberty, democracy, and self-government.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on August 2, 1776. — The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 and signed on August 2, 1776.

Pennsylvanians have special reason to celebrate, since the Declaration was debated, drafted, and signed in Philadelphia, making the Keystone State the birthplace of the nation’s bold decision to seek independence.

Independence Hall was completed in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House — Independence Hall in Philadelphia was completed in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House.

Reasons for Declaring Independence

The 13 colonies declared independence because they believed the British government was treating them unfairly and denying them basic rights.

No Taxation Without Representation exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. — “No Taxation Without Representation” exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

After the costly French and Indian War, Britain imposed new taxes without giving the colonies a voice in Parliament, sparking outrage over “taxation without representation.”

Illustration of a colonial street scene showing a British tax notice for tea posted on a brick wall, with redcoat soldiers and ships in the harbor, symbolizing the unrest that led to independence and the historic Pennsylvania sites tied to America250. — The British tax on tea, formalized in the Tea Act of 1773, lead to a significant boycott of British goods (especially tea) in colonial America.

King George III also restricted colonial self-government by dissolving local assemblies and overturning colonial laws.

King George III, British monarch at the time of the American Revolution. — King George III, British monarch at the time of the American Revolution (public domain image).

Harsh punishments like the Intolerable Acts targeted colonial protests, while British troops were stationed in American cities and housed at public expense.

A Don Troiani painting on display in the Patriots Gallery at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. — A Don Troiani painting on display in the Patriots Gallery at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Colonists were further angered by limits on westward settlement and by the king’s refusal to address their petitions for reform.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. — “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

America 250 invites us to reflect on the ideas that sparked a revolution and to recognize Pennsylvania’s central role in that story, where independence was imagined, put into words, fought for, and ultimately achieved.

The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. — The Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Essential America 250 Sites to Visit in PA

What follows is a list of the top America 250 sites to visit in Pennsylvania—places directly connected to the Declaration of Independence and the struggle that turned those words into a new nation.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

The Syng Inkstand used to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

1. Independence Hall

Independence Hall in Philadelphia stands at the heart of America’s founding, where the Second Continental Congress met in 1776 to debate and approve the Declaration of Independence.

Visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park is operated by the National Park Service and plays a central role in Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Collage of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, showing the exterior with the George Washington statue, historic assembly rooms where the Declaration of Independence was debated, and the UNESCO World Heritage marker recognizing its central role in America’s founding and the America250 story. — Scenes from Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

2. The Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell Center, located just outside Independence Hall, preserves one of the most iconic symbols of freedom in the world and tells the story of its powerful role in American history.

Free to visit and open on a first-come, first-served basis, the center is a key stop during Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration, offering exhibits that explore the bell’s lasting connection to independence and liberty.

Collage of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, showing close-up views of the cracked bell, interpretive exhibits, and Independence Hall in the background, highlighting its role as a symbol of freedom and a key America250 historic site. — Scenes from the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.

3. Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House is one of Philadelphia’s most visited historic attractions and is traditionally associated with the story that Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in 1776.

Exploring the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia. — Scenes from the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia.

Although historians debate the legend, her role in early American history was formally recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 2009, making the site a meaningful stop during Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration of the nation’s founding.

Replica of the first Stars and Stripes flag sewn by Betsy Ross.

4. Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia brings the story of the nation’s founding to life through immersive exhibits featuring historic artifacts, dioramas, films, and artwork from the Revolutionary War era.

Exploring the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Opened in 2017 and located just steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the museum is a natural centerpiece of Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration.

Portrait of George Washington at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. — Portrait of George Washington at the Museum of the American Revolution.

5. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park, located just steps from Independence Hall, is one of William Penn’s original public squares and today offers shaded walkways, a fountain, and a peaceful place to pause amid the city’s historic district.

A collage of 4 images from Washington Square Park in Philadelphia, PA.

Beneath its tranquil surface lies a powerful Revolutionary War legacy, as nearly 2,000 American soldiers and prisoners of war were buried here, making the park and its memorials an important site of remembrance during the America 250 celebration.

Monument in Washington Square in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. — Monument in Washington Square.

6. Fort Mifflin

Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia is a well-preserved Revolutionary War fort that helped defend the Delaware River against British forces, making it a powerful symbol of Pennsylvania’s role in the fight for independence and a fitting site to explore during the America 250 celebration.

Collage of Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, showing aerial views of the star-shaped Revolutionary War fort, historic stone buildings, cannons, and interpretive marker highlighting its role in defending the Delaware River during the fight for American independence. — Scenes from Fort Mifflin.

7. Brandywine Battlefield Park

Brandywine Battlefield Park in Delaware County preserves the site of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution, fought in 1777 between British and Continental forces.

A collage of four photos from Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases the historical significance of the site. The top left image features a historical marker detailing the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on September 11, 1777, where American forces attempted to halt the British advance. The top right image shows a cannon positioned in a field, representing the battlefield. The bottom left image depicts Washington's Headquarters, a stone house with a commemorative plaque. The bottom right image displays a museum exhibit with American military equipment, including firearms and a mannequin dressed in period attire. These images collectively highlight key aspects of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution. — Scenes from Brandywine Battlefield Park in Delaware County.

Set on 52 acres that once served as George Washington’s headquarters and featuring a visitor center, museum, and historic buildings, the park is a meaningful place to reflect on Pennsylvania’s role in the struggle for independence during the America 250 celebration.

An interior view of a room at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, represents Washington's Headquarters. The room features a wooden desk with historical documents and writing tools, set in front of a window that lets in natural light. Draped over the chair is a period military coat, adding to the historical ambiance. The room has wooden floors, a simple fireplace, and paneled walls painted in muted tones, evoking the colonial era during the time of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

8. Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia commemorates the winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army during 1777–1778, when hardship and training transformed the struggling force into a unified army capable of defeating the British.

Exploring Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Spanning more than 3,500 acres of historic landscapes filled with monuments, fortifications, and trails, the park stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and is a cornerstone site for Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration.

George Washington's headquarters at Valley Forge was originally built for Isaac Potts, operator of a nearby grist mill. — George Washington’s headquarters at Valley Forge was originally built for Isaac Potts, operator of a nearby grist mill.

9. The Colonial Complex in York

The Colonial Complex in York commemorates the extraordinary nine months when York served as the nation’s temporary capital after the Second Continental Congress fled British-occupied Philadelphia in 1777.

Exploring the Colonial Complex in York PA. — Scenes from the Colonial Complex in York, PA.

While meeting here, Congress officially adopted the Articles of Confederation—the first constitution of the United States—making York a vital chapter in the nation’s founding and a key stop in Pennsylvania’s America 250 celebration.

A plaque inside the Colonial Courthouse commemorating the signing of the Articles of Confederation in York PA in 1777. — A plaque inside the Colonial Courthouse in York, PA commemorating the signing of the Articles of Confederation in 1777.

10. The State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg plays a key role in the America 250 celebration through its first-floor Revolutionary Things exhibit, which highlights the Commonwealth’s central place in the American Revolution.

Collage from the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg featuring the “Revolutionary Things” exhibit, including a rare Continental Army regimental flag, historic cannon, and Revolutionary War artifacts highlighting Pennsylvania’s role in the fight for independence and America250 history. — Scenes from the Revolutionary Things exhibit at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

Created for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the exhibit features rare artifacts such as military flags, weapons, cannons, and symbolic objects, alongside artwork and displays showing how later generations remembered and honored the nation’s founding.

Large carved bald eagle sculpture displayed inside The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, shown with wings spread on a pedestal, with a Liberty Bell replica and Revolutionary War–themed exhibits visible in the background highlighting national symbols and Pennsylvania’s role in American history

11. Fort Roberdeau

Fort Roberdeau in Blair County was built in 1778 to protect vital lead mining operations from British loyalists and their Native American allies, serving as a small but important frontier defense during the Revolutionary War.

Collage of Fort Roberdeau in Blair County, Pennsylvania, featuring aerial views of the reconstructed frontier fort, log buildings, historical marker, and Revolutionary War reenactors demonstrating musket drills and daily life at this America250 historic site. — Scenes from Fort Roberdeau.

Reconstructed for the nation’s Bicentennial in 1975–76 and now operated as a public historic site, the fort offers visitors a tangible link to Pennsylvania’s wartime struggles and its role in the America 250 celebration.

Trying out a musket at Fort Roberdeau in Blair County. — Trying out a musket at Fort Roberdeau.

12. Captain Phillips’ Rangers Memorial

The Captain Phillips’ Rangers Memorial in Bedford County marks the site of a tragic Revolutionary War skirmish where Captain William Phillips and his frontier rangers were attacked in 1780 while protecting settlers from British-allied Seneca warriors.

Collage of four images showing various views of the Captain Phillips’ Rangers Memorial in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, including the main stone monument listing the fallen rangers, the Pennsylvania historical marker, the modern directional sign along Route 26, and an informational plaque describing the July 16, 1780 massacre.

Surrounded today by quiet woods and a stone monument honoring the fallen, the site serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced on Pennsylvania’s frontier and a meaningful place of reflection during the America 250 commemoration of the nation’s fight for independence.

Bronze grave marker at the Captain Phillips’ Rangers Memorial in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, inscribed with the date July 16, 1780, honoring rangers who died in the line of duty and were reburied by the American Legion Saxton Post No. 169 in 1933, with coins left on the plaque as tributes.

13. The Tiadaghton Elm

The Tiadaghton Elm is remembered as the site where frontier settlers known as the Fair Play Men signed the Pine Creek Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring themselves free from British rule along Pine Creek in present-day Clinton County.

The Tiadaghton Elm, beneath which the Pine Creek Declaration of Independence was signed. — Tiadaghton Elm historical marker, located where the Pine Creek Declaration of Independence was signed.

Though no copy of their document survives, state historical markers commemorate this remarkable moment that occurred independently of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, making it a uniquely Pennsylvanian chapter of the independence story celebrated during America 250.

The Taber Museum in Williamsport features an exhibit about the Pine Creek Declaration of Independence.

14. Mary Ann Furnace Historical Marker

The Mary Ann Furnace Historical Marker in York County commemorates the site of a 1762 ironworks that produced household goods and also supplied cannonballs and grapeshot to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Close-up view of a bronze historical plaque at Codorus State Park in York County, Pennsylvania, commemorating the Mary Ann Forge and Furnace, which produced cannon and cannonballs for General Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Now marked by a stone monument in Codorus State Park, this site is an often overlooked footnote in the fight for American independence and a reminder of Pennsylvania’s vital industrial role in the cause.

A stone monument with a bronze plaque honors the historic Mary Ann Furnace at Codorus State Park in York County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by autumn leaves and trees.

If military history is your passion, you’ll want to explore my interactive guide, PA’s Best Military-Themed Attractions, which highlights some of Pennsylvania’s most fascinating battlefields, forts, military museums, and related sites.

A collage of 4 images from some of Pennsylvanias best military themed attractions.

The guide is organized chronologically, beginning with the French and Indian War and continuing through the modern-day Global War on Terrorism.

The Field of Heroes at Patriot Park near Shanksville. Pennsylvania. — Patriot Park in Somerset County.

Discover more than 1000 exceptional destinations worth exploring all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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