Philadelphia hosted the Second Continental Congress during the Declaration era celebrated by America250.
The congress first met in Philadelphia’s Carpenter’s Hall in May 1775. It later moved to the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall, where delegates debated independence and adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Philadelphia’s role makes it a central location for America250 programming. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Independence National Historical Park connect visitors with the political history behind the anniversary.
The Second Continental Congress acted as a revolutionary government during the American Revolutionary War. It appointed George Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army, authorized diplomacy, and managed the war effort. Philadelphia was not the permanent national capital, however. The federal government later operated from other cities before Washington, D.C., became the capital.