Philadelphia - Photo Journal

Statue of John Barry from the other side of the fence.

Library Company of Philadelphia

This is yet another Philadelphia institution founded by Benjamin Franklin. We'll be seeing yet more of him.

The creatively named Second Bank of the United States, served as the nation's central bank from 1817 to 1836. Unlike many of the Georgian or Federal style buildings around Philadelphia, this one is done in the Greek Revival style that's common around Washington D.C.

Historical reenactments, always popular.

You'd hope these guys are actors, but you never really know what passes for fashion in Pennsylvania.

Statue of Robert Morris, signatory of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Carpenters' Hall

This building hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and was home to Franklin's Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States.

Quaker Meeting House Site

I believe this is Carpenter's Hall from the rear side.

Carpenters' Hall close-up

The brickwork on this building is the "Flemish bond" style, with bricks placed in an alternating perpendicular pattern. The result is a more solid construction while also giving the building a distinctive appearance that indicated wealth and respectability. I believe the seal stands for the Fire Association back when fire rescue was privatized, indicating to the fire company that if this house is burning down they're paid for and okay to save it. No seal = no luck.

They often have flags hanging on one of these poles but for some reason not today.

This row of houses was part of Franklin Court, where Benjamin Franklin had his now-gone home.

Information sign about the First Continental Congress. They had to meet at the Carpenter's House as the State House (now Independence Hall) was too full of Tory sympathizers.

Contemporary Philadelphia; I believe that's a bell tower on the left.

If I recall my grade school civics, I believe the eagle's head should be facing the other way toward the olive branch it's holding, as facing left toward the arrows means it favors war.

U.S. Custom House

Corner of Chestnut & 3rd Street

Center City architecture

Another historical marker, for Anthony Drexel

No idea if this building is of any historical interest.

Deserted lot

Here's the B. Free Franklin post office. In addition to everything else he's done, Ben Franklin was also the first Postmaster General of the United States. Clearly the guy was too busy to ever run for president.

318 Market Street, I believe inside is a museum about Franklin's interest in fire safety.

Franklin's Passage

Benjamin Franklin went to and from his house through this original passage.

Here's Franklin's House... sort of. It was less drafty back then.

Apparently Franklin liked to sign his mail as "B. Free Franklin", giving this post office its eventual name.