Independence Hall stands as the most sacred building in American history—the birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Within these walls, the founding fathers debated, argued, and ultimately created a revolutionary new form of government that would change the world forever.
Originally constructed as the Pennsylvania State House in 1753, this Georgian-style building witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in American history. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence here, an act of treason that could have resulted in every signer's death by hanging. Eleven years later, in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention debated behind locked doors and shuttered windows, creating the framework of government that still guides the nation today.
But according to countless witnesses over the centuries—including guests and guides from Ghost City Tours—the spirits of these great men never truly left. The intensity of these moments, the fear, the passion, the determination, seems to have left an indelible imprint on Independence Hall.
The Revolutionary History of Independence Hall
The building that would become Independence Hall was completed in 1753 to serve as the Pennsylvania State House. Its design, featuring a distinctive clock tower and steeple, made it one of the most impressive public buildings in colonial America. But it was the events that transpired within its walls that would make it immortal.
In May 1775, as tensions with Great Britain reached a boiling point, the Second Continental Congress convened at Independence Hall. Over the following months and years, delegates from the thirteen colonies met here to coordinate their resistance to British rule, establish a continental army under George Washington's command, and ultimately declare their independence.
The summer of 1776 was sweltering in Philadelphia, but inside Independence Hall, the atmosphere was even more heated. Delegates debated Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, making edits and revisions while understanding that every word they approved brought them closer to committing treason. On July 4, 1776, they voted to adopt the Declaration, knowing full well they had just signed what could be their death warrants.
Benjamin Franklin, at 70 years old and suffering from gout, was one of the oldest signers. As the delegates prepared to sign, he reportedly remarked: 'We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.' The gallows humor captured the gravity of what they were doing—these men were risking everything.
The Constitutional Convention
In 1787, Independence Hall hosted another world-changing event. The Constitutional Convention brought delegates together to address the failures of the Articles of Confederation. From May to September, they debated in secret, creating an entirely new form of government.
George Washington presided over the proceedings while Benjamin Franklin, now 81 and in failing health, served as a voice of wisdom and compromise. James Madison took meticulous notes that would provide future generations with insight into the founders' intentions.
The Constitution they created was a marvel of compromise and forward thinking, establishing a system of checks and balances that still governs the United States. When the convention concluded and the delegates emerged from Independence Hall, a woman reportedly asked Franklin what kind of government they had created. His response: 'A republic, if you can keep it.'
Preservation of History
Independence Hall continued to serve as Pennsylvania's state capitol until 1799. Over the following decades, as the building's historical importance became clear, efforts were made to preserve it. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited historic landmarks in America—but according to many, the founding fathers never really left.
The Spirits of the Founding Fathers
Visitors report seeing figures in colonial dress walking through the building, hearing voices engaged in heated debate when the rooms are empty, and experiencing overwhelming emotions tied to events that happened over two centuries ago. Ghost City Tours' Ghosts of Philadelphia tour regularly stops at Independence Hall, where expert guides share the numerous paranormal experiences reported by staff, security guards, and visitors.
Benjamin Franklin's Lingering Presence
The most frequently reported spirit at Independence Hall is that of Benjamin Franklin—scientist, inventor, diplomat, and one of the most influential founding fathers. Multiple witnesses, including security guards, tour guides, and visitors, have reported seeing an elderly man in colonial-era clothing who bears an unmistakable resemblance to Franklin's historical portraits.
Franklin is most often seen near or in the Assembly Room, where so many crucial debates took place. Witnesses describe him as appearing solid and real, dressed in the style of the late 18th century, sometimes appearing deep in thought or observation.
One Ghost City Tours guest from Ohio provided a particularly detailed account. Her teenage daughter, who had been reluctant to join the ghost tour, suddenly stopped in a hallway and stared at a spot near the Assembly Room entrance. She later described seeing an elderly man in old-fashioned clothing who looked directly at her and smiled kindly before simply vanishing. Her description—down to details like Franklin's balding head and round spectacles—matched historical portraits with eerie accuracy.
George Washington's Watchful Spirit
Another commonly reported apparition is that of a tall, distinguished figure in military dress who witnesses believe to be George Washington. This spirit is typically seen standing near the front of the Assembly Room, in the area where Washington would have stood while presiding over the Constitutional Convention.
Witnesses describe the figure as imposing and dignified, matching Washington's historical height of over six feet—extraordinary for the 18th century. A history teacher from Boston reported seeing this figure during an evening visit. He described a tall man in military uniform standing motionless near the front of the Assembly Room, visible for perhaps ten seconds before fading away.
Phantom Debates and Ghostly Voices
Beyond visual apparitions, Independence Hall is known for auditory phenomena that seem to replay the passionate debates that once filled these rooms. Security guards working alone in the building after hours have reported hearing multiple voices engaged in what sounds like heated argument or discussion, though when they investigate, the rooms are always empty.
The voices are described as speaking in older forms of English, using phrases and cadences that sound distinctly 18th century in nature. Some guards have reported hearing what sounds like political or philosophical debate—discussions about liberty, rights, government, and sovereignty.
One security supervisor reported hearing what sounded like a gavel being struck three times—the traditional call to order—coming from the Assembly Room during a night shift. When he immediately entered the room, it was empty and the ceremonial gavel was secured in its display case, completely undisturbed.
Overwhelming Emotions and Paranormal Experiences
Many visitors to Independence Hall report experiencing sudden and overwhelming emotions that seem to come from outside themselves. The most common is an intense feeling of patriotic emotion or connection to America's founding.
A visitor from Virginia reported to her Ghost City Tour guide that while standing in the Assembly Room, she felt such a powerful wave of emotion that she began to cry without understanding why. She described it as a combination of pride, sadness, hope, and determination.
Multiple guests have reported sudden drops in temperature while walking through Independence Hall, even on warm summer evenings. One guest on a summer ghost tour reported experiencing a sudden cold spot in the Assembly Room accompanied by the distinct scent of tobacco smoke—despite smoking having been prohibited in the building for decades. Colonial leaders were known to smoke pipes during their lengthy deliberations.
Experience Independence Hall's Hauntings
Independence Hall is open to the public and welcomes visitors year-round. Tours of the interior are available through the National Park Service and provide fascinating insights into American history.
The best way to experience Independence Hall's haunted history is through Ghost City Tours' Ghosts of Philadelphia tour. Our expert guides stop at or near Independence Hall to share the complete story of the founding fathers' ghosts, the paranormal phenomena reported by countless witnesses, and firsthand accounts of supernatural experiences.
The Ghosts of Philadelphia tour runs year-round with evening departures, allowing you to experience Independence Hall and other haunted Philadelphia landmarks after dark, when paranormal activity is often most prominent. Book your tour today to witness where America was born—and where its founding fathers may still walk.
Where America's founding fathers still watch over their creation
The Assembly Room where revolutionary debates still echo
