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Congress Hall
Built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Congress Hall was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States.
The nation’s fledgling legislature occupied the former courthouse, a two-story Georgian brick structure at the corner of 6th and Chestnut streets.
Several historic achievements happened within Congress Hall, including the establishment of the First Bank of the United States, the Federal Mint and the Department of the Navy, as well as the ratification of Jay’s Treaty with England.
The building is part of Independence National Historic Park and is open to the public for tours.
Presidents George Washington and John Adams were inaugurated in Congress Hall.
Like the democratic ideals it once served, Congress Hall is simple but powerful.
The House of Representatives on the first floor (Lower House) remains in the same state as it was for John Adams’ inauguration in 1797 – sparse and unadorned, with desks for 106 representatives from 16 states. Both Adams and Washington were inaugurated in Congress Hall.
The second floor (Upper House), where the U.S. Senate met, is more elaborate, with deep green walls and fabric.
Carpeting encompassing the American eagle encircled by the seals of the 13 original states dominates the room, and larger-than-life portraits of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, gifts of the French government, hang in the adjacent committee rooms.
Entry to Congress Hall is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Unlike Independence Hall, tickets are not required.
From March through December, visitors can only explore the historic building on a 20-minute guided tour. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions in January and February, when organized tours aren’t offered.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.