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One Tank Trip: Historic Philadelphia
One Tank Trip: Historic Philadelphia - Friday, July 4, 2008 at 3:49PM EST
Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Friday, Jul 4, 2008 @ 03:49pm EST
PHILADELPHIA -- On this Fourth of July, we remember our country's birth that happened just two hours from here. Our Jeff Chirico continues the weekly One Tank Trip series in the City of Brotherly Love.
Walking through the streets of our nation's second capital can be a valuable history lesson. Tonight, we show you how to see Philadelphia without spending a lot of money.
History rings loudly on these streets. "These are the cobblestones they walked on.." Retrace our forefather's footsteps and you're struck by enduring symbols of freedom including Independence Hall.
Gus Rylander/ U. S. Park Ranger "Where we're standing is perhaps the most historic spot in our nation."
Some say this is the birthplace of America. On July 4, 1776 our forefathers adopted the declaration of independence and 11 years later signed the U. S. Constitution.
Maureen O'Connell/Florida "It's just fascinating history to be in a place where we're talking about our freedom. These are the people who stood up for us in the beginning."
Near that historic landmark, you can experience how average 18th century Philadelphians lived on Elfreth's Alley.
Chris Neapolitan/ Elfreth's Alley "It's one of the oldest continually inhabited residential streets in the U. S."
Around the corner, visit the home of a simple seamstress' who sewed her place in history.
"Betsy Ross"/ Reenactor “It was there that George Washington did ask me if I could make him a flag." Risking her life, she did so in the secrecy of her candlelit bedroom.
Maureen and Danny O'Connell of Florida are struck by the significance of what happened in this city.
Danny O'connell Florida "I get goose bumps because these are things I read in school, history books and things. To see it come to life is fascinating."
Don Smith/Christ's Church Pres. Trust "This was the spiritual home to Ben Franklin, George Washington, Betsy Ross and many early founding fathers and mothers of America." Christ's Church once stood as the tallest building in what would be America. Now in it's burial ground, tourists drop pennies on the grave of the famous Ben Franklin.
Philadelphia offers the history of our freedom and a renewed pride in America. Visiting those 6 sites is free --although some ask for a donation.
Jeff's Tips
Philadelphia offers many no or low-cost tourism options. Below is a list of links to some of those.
Also, you can eat cheap in Philadelphia, you just need to know where to look. Near Old City, Penang (117 N. 10th Street) offers excellent Malaysian Cuisine that won't break the budget. .
Get there between 6 and 7 and you can get rice and noodle dishes and hearty Malaysian soups for $5.50 to $6.
The Club Quarters (1628 Chestnut Street) is a business person's hotel during the week. But I've stayed on the weekend for about a $100. It is close to the ritzy Rittenhouse Square and City Hall. Parking will cost about $28 at the nearby Liberty Place.
Independence National Historic Park
Betsy Ross House
Christ's Church
Elfreth's Alley
For a list of other inexpensive historic sites:
Philadelphia Historic Neighborhood Consortium
Philadelphia Gazette (June 2008)
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