Philadelphia: America’s First World Heritage City

The city referred to as the birthplace of America has won the distinction of becoming the first recognized World Heritage City in the United States. During their biennial conference in Arequipa, Peru, the Organization of World Heritage Cities voted to have Philadelphia join Cairo, Jerusalem, Paris, and other worldwide cities recognized for their contribution to the development of human culture.

Independence Hall, shown here, was cited as a main reason why Philadelphia became a World Heritage City.

Philadelphia qualified for the distinction because it contains Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Independence Hall was the site of many historic events in United States history. First the Declaration of Independence was signed there in 1776. In 1780, the Articles of Confederation, which united the 13 original American colonies, were ratified. Independence Hall was again spotlighted as the spot where the U.S. Constitution was debated and signed in 1787, with George Washington overseeing events. UNESCO made Independence Hall a World Heritage Site off the basis of the Constitution’s “fundamental importance to American history,” as well as the fact that it has “also had a profound impact on lawmakers around the world.”

A group of city and local business leaders have been campaigning for Philadelphia’s inclusion on the list of World Heritage Cities. The distinction, which is held by about 260 cities, reflects Philadelphia’s economic and educational strengths, as well as its resilience, Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger said. Those involved say that Philadelphia’s new distinction will help create more cultural collaborations, like a bigger and better version of the city’s existing sister cities program. It should also boost tourism, a movement that has been well in place since the Pope selected Philadelphia as a city to visit during his first United States trip earlier this fall.