Independence Hall may seem small in stature compared to the surrounding modern city of Philadelphia, but the ideas forged within its walls far outsize the building. Over the course of twelve years, two documents were written and adopted in the hall that created a significant change in politics and governance worldwide. The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, was a salvo against colonial rule, and served as a model for many other colonies, particularly in the Americas, who sought independence over the next 150 years. The ideal in the preamble that "all men are created equal" and "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is one the United States strongly believes in, even if not always living up to. Representatives met again in 1787 to draft a new Constitution--the first of its kind--establishing a new government. Key to this government was the balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the establishment of rights and responsibilities for states within the federal government. The Constitution established the rights of the people in a democratic republic, and created a template followed by many other countries over the next two centuries. Although Independence Hall may look like just a display of colonial furniture, I would contend it is the representatives who met and argued and compromised here over two decades in the 18th century, and the two milestone documents they produced, that make Independence Hall the most important United States cultural World Heritage Site.

Logistics: Independence Hall is in central Philadelphia, and may be reached by car or bus. There are many other buildings from Philadelphia's colonial past within a short walking distance from Independence Hall.