[Illustration: {DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR · March 3, 1949}] UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Douglas McKay, _Secretary_ NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Conrad L. Wirth, _Director_ _HISTORICAL HANDBOOK NUMBER SEVENTEEN_ This publication is one of a series of handbooks describing the historical and archeological areas in the National Park System administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. It is printed by the Government Printing Office, and may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C. Price 25 cents INDEPENDENCE National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pa. _by Edward M. Riley_ [Illustration: {Liberty Bell}] NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES No. 17 Washington, D. C., 1954 _The National Park System, of which Independence National Historical Park is a unit, is dedicated to the conservation of America’s scenic, scientific, and historic heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the people._ [Illustration: {NATIONAL PARK SERVICE · DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR}] _Contents_ THE PROVINCIAL STATE HOUSE 2 TWO CENTURIES OF INDEPENDENCE HALL 7 THE STATE HOUSE AND INDEPENDENCE 11 “TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION” 20 AFTER 1800 31 INDEPENDENCE SQUARE 37 EVOLUTION OF A SHRINE 41 STORY OF A SYMBOL 52 GUIDE TO THE AREA 61 HOW TO REACH THE PARK 67 SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC 67 ADMINISTRATION 67 RELATED AREAS 68 [Illustration: _Independence Hall._ Photo by R. G. Magill.]