jefferson’s
walking tour
of philadelphia
jefferson’s walking tour
of philadelphia
1. Philosophical Hall
6. Dolley Todd’s House
2. Independence Hall
7. Benjamin Rush’s House
3. Congress Hall
8. Thomas Paine Place
4. Independence Square
9. Dock Street
5. American Philosophical Society Library
10. City Tavern
5th Street between Chestnut and Walnut
The APS Museum is located in Philosophical Hall, the home of the
Society since the 1780s. Charles Willson Peale lived in Philosophical
Hall with his family while Peale’s museum was housed in this
building. His son Franklin was born here in 1795.
Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th
Known as the State House in Jefferson’s time, Independence Hall
contains the rooms where the Continental Congress met. The
second floor once served as an extension of Peale’s museum.
Southeast Corner of 6th and Chestnut
This building served as the meeting place for Congress while Philadelphia was the nation’s capital. Jefferson’s vice presidential inauguration took place here, and he also sat in on sessions of Congress, as
the vice president does today.
Between 5th and 6th, Chestnut and Walnut
Look south, and imagine the Walnut Street Jail, which was located
near the corner of 6th and Walnut from 1773 to 1835. In January
1793, Jefferson witnessed the first manned balloon flight in the
Western Hemisphere, launched from the jail yard.
5th between Chestnut and Walnut
This modern building replicates the façade of the Library Company,
which was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731 on this site. The
APS Library is open to researchers, and visitors can see special
exhibitions in the lobby Monday through Friday.
Northeast Corner of 4th and Walnut
John and Dolley Todd lived in this house until John died of yellow
fever in 1793. Dolley left Philadelphia but returned a year later with a
new husband, James Madison, who was a close friend of Jefferson and
succeeded him as President of the United States.
Northwest corner of 3rd and Walnut
Benjamin Rush lived here from 1790 to 1793. This central
location allowed him to treat a greater number of affluent
patients, especially during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.
Northeast corner of 3rd and Thomas Paine Place
In January, 1776, the first edition of Paine’s Common Sense was
printed in Robert Bell’s print shop, and this street is named in
honor of the prolific author and pamphleteer.
Between 2nd and 3rd
When William Penn laid out Philadelphia in 1682, he planned
it as a grid of straight lines and green spaces. What he did not
account for was Dock Creek, and the path of this waterway
became the curvy Dock Street.
Northwest corner of 2nd and Walnut
Grab a drink at this recreation of one of the Founding Fathers’
favorite spots. Jefferson kept a tab here and often ate his meals
here, especially while he was vice president.
jefferson’s walking tour
of philadelphia
11. John Dunlap’s Print Shop
Southeast corner of 2nd and Market
Now home to The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar,
this was the site of the first printing of the Declaration.
12. Christ Church
2nd between Market and Arch
Many Founding Fathers attended this church. The slender
steeple made it the tallest building in North America until
1810. A number of Jefferson’s associates and friends are
buried here, including Francis Hopkinson, Benjamin Rush,
and John Dunlap. The gravesites of other notable people,
including Benjamin Franklin, can be seen in a secondary
burial ground at 5th and Arch.
13. High Street Market
Market Street between 2nd and 4th
As you look toward Center City, imagine the market sheds
that once ran down the center of High (now Market) Street,
allowing Philadelphians to purchase goods newly arrived at
the docks.
14. Benjamin Franklin’s House
Market Street between 3rd and 4th
Today, the original site of Franklin’s home and print shop is
open to visitors, as is the Benjamin Franklin Museum, which
features a number of artifacts and interactive displays.
15. First Amendment Memorial
Southwest corner of 5th and Market
Mrs. House’s Boarding House stood at this corner and was
home to many members of Congress in the 1770s and 1780s,
including Jefferson. Today, the site features an inscription of
the First Amendment, which Jefferson fervently supported.
16. President’s House
Southeast corner of 6th and Market
Though a presidential mansion was built farther west on
Market Street, Washington and Adams both stayed in the
centrally-located house that once stood here.
17. Declaration House
Southwest corner of 7th and Market
The museum on this site is a recreation of the original building, which belonged to Jacob Graff. Jefferson lived on the
second floor and wrote the Declaration of Independence
here.