Historic Old City, Philadelphia Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which building has seen the creation and adoption of many documents, among them the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States of America?

Answer: Independence Hall

Independence Hall is located at between 5th and 6th on Chestnut St. When it was built in 1732, it was the most impressive public building in the colonies. Since then, it truly became the birthplace of our country and our democracy. It was the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress, as well the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Articles of Confederation were adopted, and the US Constitution was debated and drafted.

2. What name is now given to the building in which, according to legend, a young woman sewed the first American flag?

Answer: Betsy Ross House

The first American flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars, representing the original colonies. It is unlikely that Betsy Ross was the seamstress behind the masterpiece, but she remains a prominent figure in American legend and folklore. The Betsy Ross House is located at 239 Arch St.

3. A true symbol of freedom, what claims its purpose is to "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof?"

Answer: Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell was brought to Philadelphia in 1753, but its most memorable use was on July 8, 1776, when it summoned the citizens of Philadelphia to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It is now housed between 5th and 6th on Market St. The Bell itself reads:
"Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof Lev. XXV X
By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA for the State House in Philada.
Pass and Stow
Philada
MDCCLIII"
(Pass and Stow were the two men hired to recast the bell to make it less brittle).

4. Which building was an early home of the United States Supreme Court?

Answer: Olde City Hall

Olde City Hall housed the Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800, when Philadelphia ceased to be the nation's capital. The primary function of the building was to house the municipal government and the Mayor's offices. The building can be found on 5th and Chestnut streets.

5. Which building, one of the newest additions to Independence National Historical Park, showcases the history and relevance of the Constitution from its birth to present day?

Answer: National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center, located at 535 Arch St, opened in July, 2003.

6. Which structure, still the home of the oldest trade guild in the country, was the first brick building erected in Philadelphia?

Answer: Carpenter's Hall

Between 3rd and 4th St on Chestnut (part of the Independence National Historical Park), Carpenter's Hall was an assembly place for many groups. It housed meetings of the First Continental Congress, served as a hospital for both Colonial and British troops, held meetings of various other associations (including the First and Second Banks of the United States).

However, through all of its various uses, it has always been (and continues to be) a meeting place for the Carpenter's Company of Philadelphia, which has been the building's owner from 1770 to present day.

7. One of Old City's little known gems is this city block, which has been in continuous residential use since 1707, making it the oldest residential street in the country! What is its official name?

Answer: Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley was renamed the 100 block of Cherry Street during a street name simplification project, but changed back to its original name with the creation of the Elfreth's Alley Association, in 1934. The EAA plans two events a year on this historic block (still in residential use!) and keeps records of the block's diverse inhabitants, dating back many centuries.

It is off of 2nd Street, between Arch and Race.

8. Which Old City synagogue, one of the first in the country, dates its beginning to 1740?

Answer: Mikveh Israel

Mikveh Israel has played an extremely important role, throughout history, of contributing the the religious diversity of the city. It is known for both Sephardic (Spanish/Portuguese) ritual and a deep connection to American Jewish History. The congregation, now in its 5th building (opened July 4, 1976 - the bicentennial) is located on 4th Street, between Arch and Market. (Shearith Israel is another early Sephardic congregation and the sister congregation of Mikveh Israel in New York, Society Hill Synagogue is another historic synagogue in Philadelphia, and Mishkan Shalom is a Reconstructionist synagogue in Manayunk)

9. The land for the house of worship located at 320 Arch Street was donated by William Penn himself in 1693. It is the largest of its type in the world, and the oldest in Philadelphia. What religious denomination does it serve?

Answer: Quaker

William Penn, himself a Quaker, established Philadelphia as a very Quaker city. This influence continues to present day. The Arch Street Friends Meeting House, still in operation, was once attended by abolitionist Lucretia Mott.

10. What is the name of the Church, nicknamed the "Nation's Church," where a large number of the nation's early leaders worshiped?

Answer: Christ Church

Still an active Episcopal congregation, Christ Church was founded in 1695. The steeple was financed by a lottery organized by Benjamin Franklin, and it was the tallest structure in the colonies for 75 years. Christ Church's frequenters included George Washington, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, and Robert Morris. Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration are buried in the cemetery. The church is located on 2nd street, above Market St.

Enjoy your next visit to Old City, Philadelphia... if you are a fan of revolutionary-era history, it is a magical experience!

Source: Author rkirzner

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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The historic monuments found in Old City Philadelphia bear witness to centuries of American History and a particular American penchant for freedom. Identify the Old City landmark in the questions below...

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