We moved on Oct. 9th and on the 10th, at French Creek State Park near Elverson, PA, we went for a very nice hike to the Hopewell Furnace NHS. It is so nice when we can just walk out the front door of our home and go see things. Does not happen often but hey, we don't like to be in the city! We have very much enjoyed the state parks we've stayed at this year.
PA was the largest producer of iron before and after the American Revolution. In 1776 they had more forges than all other colonies combined. During the Civil War they concentrated their efforts on cannons and supporting equipment for the war effort.
They sure built some beautiful stoves!
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| pots, pans, stoves, fireplace screens, all kinds of iron things |
After enjoying the 5+ mile hike and a good look around the old Hopewell Furnace, we hoped in the jeep to check out the Manatawny Creek Winery. They had some nice wines and we bought a couple of bottles.
While at the winery we were told about a local cheese maker who puts her cheese out in the barn and you just get what you want and leave the money in the box. Gotta love it! We bought a lovely brie and blue cheese. Yum!!
Oh yes, she was located near this covered bridge:
The next day, Oct 11th, we drove into Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You have to wait in lines and go through security these days to see the bell.
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| Over the years this is my 3rd visit to this symbol of American freedom |
We had to get a ticket to tour Independence Hall and had a couple of hours before our tour. This gave us an opportunity to see a few other places in the mean time.
The First Continental Congress meet in this building, Carpenters Hall, in the fall of 1774 to decide what to do about Britain not listening to their problems. By the next meeting in May of 1775 of the Second Continental Congress, blood had already been shed at Lexington and Concord. The cry of independence had sounded.
In Old City Hall, next to Independence Hall, the Supreme Court met from 1791-1800
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| 6 judges presided over the original Supreme Court |
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| Independence Hall, we had to go through security to gain access to this hallowed building as well |
Inside Independence Hall, a court room:
The room below was used to iron out the articles of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.....can you imagine...
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| Stairs to upper floor in Independence Hall |
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| Banquet room where all would adjourn to relax and have a bite after debating |
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| harpsichord |
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| several rooms in the hall were used for various things over the years, at one time this room was used to store weapons |
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| the inkwell used to sign the Declaration of Independence |
When outside Independence Hall taking pics, Mike asked if that was a bald eagle to the right of the tower....yep
How cool was that!
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| standing where Ben Franklins house used to be looking at the building that housed his book store and bindery |
After seeing the Liberty Plaza area, we strolled down a few streets to the Reading Terminal Market. One of those huge indoor markets that has all kinds of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, ethnic eateries, etc. Fun! We actually ate at a cajun place for dinner and had jambalaya. Yum!
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| had to pass by China town on the way to the market, a beautiful entry |
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