A Landscape Transformed

Before Philadelphia was established in 1682, this land was part of Lënapehòkink, where the Lenape thrived for countless generations. Over time, the landscape changed repeatedly and eventually became the heart of Philadelphia's business district. By the early 1900s, the area had declined, and advocates struggled with how to showcase Independence Hall. After Independence National Historical Park was created in 1948, federal, state, and local officials chose to clear several adjacent blocks of deteriorating buildings to create an open park. In the 1950s, buildings dating from the late 1800s were demolished, making way for what is now Independence Mall.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · United States