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Declaration House: Where a Migraine May Have Helped Write History
The Declaration House at 7th and Market in Philadelphia is a reconstructed space where Thomas Jefferson, at just 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Despite battling severe headaches, he penned this monumental document by candlelight on a borrowed lap desk. Visitors can feel the intensity of his struggle and creativity, as the iconic phrase “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” emerged from a small room filled with revolutionary fervor.

Andrew Cross
6 days ago2 min read


Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier: Found Beneath a Parking Lot
At the heart of Washington Square Park lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, a poignant memorial amidst the city's hustle. This site, surrounded by nature, invites reflection on its haunting past. In the 1950s, workers unearthed a mass grave from the Revolutionary War, revealing the resting place of countless unnamed soldiers. In 1957, a memorial was established, symbolizing their sacrifice.

Andrew Cross
Jun 252 min read


Slavery in the Shadow of Liberty at the President’s House Site
Slavery is a stain on humanity. The history of the American enterprise has to reconcile with this horrible atrocity just as much as any other nation. Despite being one of the first nations to abolish slavery, even some of America's most beloved figures held onto the vestiges of the horrors of slavery long after many care to admit. This uncomfortable truth must be dealt with, though, to truly understand our past in order to move on from it.

Andrew Cross
Jun 182 min read


Amish Country: Lightning Rods, Faith, and Franklin
Just a short drive from Philadelphia, Amish Country offers a unique blend of tradition and faith. While visitors are drawn to its homemade food and handcrafted goods, the real stories lie in the community’s response to modern inventions, like Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod. For the Amish, this device symbolizes a clash between human ingenuity and divine will, showcasing their commitment to humility and spiritual obedience.

Andrew Cross
Jun 112 min read


Finding Franklin Court: The House That Vanished
Franklin Court is a unique historic site in Philadelphia which we visit on our walking tour. This site was once the home of Benjamin Franklin, but it was only rediscovered after many years of being totally lost.

Andrew Cross
Jun 42 min read


Longwood Gardens: The Underground Obsession of Pierre S. du Pont
Longwood Gardens is more than a stunning display of nature; it embodies a vision of precision and passion by Pierre S. du Pont. Beneath its beauty lies an intricate underground control room that powers its mesmerizing fountains, blending art with engineering. On a private tour, discover how du Pont's innovations in lighting, acoustics, and horticulture transformed this garden into a living masterpiece, showcasing the brilliance behind its beauty.

Andrew Cross
May 212 min read


Valley Forge National Park: A Winter of Sacrifice - and Science
Valley Forge is often remembered for its iconic images of weary soldiers and the resolve of George Washington. However, this pivotal winter encampment in 1777–78 was not just a tale of endurance; it was also a groundbreaking moment in public health history. Amidst the harsh conditions, Washington made a daring decision to inoculate his troops against smallpox, a silent but deadly threat that had already taken its toll on the Continental Army.

Andrew Cross
May 142 min read


Independence Hall, and the Flexibility of the American Constitution
Independence Hall is the location for where America's founding fathers developed and eventually ratified both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Something few people realize is that the amendment process built into our Constitution is one of the most novel and valuable components of the entire document as it pertains to the future of governing the nation.

Andrew Cross
May 72 min read
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