Carpenters' Hall History Resources
Quick History
Patriots
The First Continental CongressTheir meeting in Carpenters' Hall was the first step toward independence.
The Battle for PhiladelphiaWar burst upon Philadelphia less than three years after delegates to the First Continental Congress concluded their sessions at Carpenters' Hall.
The Unlikely SpyThe story of Chevalier Julien-Alexandre Achard de Bonvouloir, a French spy, and his secret meeting with Benjamin Franklin at Carpenters' Hall that led to the French Alliance.
Blueprint for a Revolution: The Spies at Carpenters' HallOnline book by Charles and Nancy Cook. The story tells how Francis Daymon helped both Benjamin Franklin and the French spy, Bonvouloir, secretly meet to discuss the colonies' upcoming revolution against England.
Washington's Army Marches Past the HallTwice the Continental army marched in review past Carpenters' Hall; In August, 1777, one month before their disastrous rout at Brandywine, and four years later en route to the victory at Yorktown.
The Quiet RevolutionaryThe Revolution divided friends and families over the question of loyalty to Great Britain and the non-debatable issue with Quakers — pacifism.
Answering the Call to ArmsIn the Revolution, the Hall became an arsenal for the War Department — and home to its first secretary, Henry Knox.
More History
All in One RoomRobert Smith, General Washington, Napoleon, General & Mrs. Custer, Stanley & Livingstone and hosts of others can be found rubbing shoulders in a single room of Carpenters' Hall.
The Federal Procession of 1788The Federal Edifice, designed by Charles Willson Peale, was the centerpiece of this celebration of the newly-ratified Constitution.
The Yellow Fever ConnectionIn 1793, Spring had been exceptionally wet, the summer equally hot and dry. People complained of the unusually large number of mosquitoes...
America's First Bank RobberyIn the midst of the Yellow Fever plague, in 1798, an enormous sum was taken from the Bank of Pennsylvania's vault in Carpenters' Hall. It was obviously an inside job and prominent blacksmith Patrick Lyon was put on trial.
An 18th-century "Safety Net"Retirement, pensions, life insurance and government assistance of any sort were unknown to 18th-century Philadelphians. Not so, however, for members of the Carpenters' Company.
Celebrations at the HallCelebrating the Carpenters' Company and remembering the First Continental Congress. Read about these festive affairs.
The Civil War YearsThe Carpenters' Company support for the Union was unequivocal even before the firing on Fort Sumter. Here is the story of Carpenters' Hall and the Civil War.
First School for ArchitectsGeorge Strickland had a unique teaching resource — the Company's superb collection of architectural books!
A 19th Century AlbumCarpenters' Company members were schooled in the tradition of brick and wood frame construction. Now they became equally expert with stone, concrete, cast iron and structural steel.
The Building
The Story of Carpenters' HallDesigned by Company member Robert Smith, built between 1770 and 1774, it's home to the Carpenters' Company. It was was the largest hall in Philadelphia.
Well-known Tenants of Carpenters' HallThe Carpenters' Company rented space to many other institutions throughout the years, including Benjamin Franklin and banks.
The Puzzle Takes ShapeCompiling a building's history resembles a jigsaw puzzle. Pieces of the puzzle are to be found in documents of many kinds as well as in the fabric of the structure itself.
Gardens and GardenersFor more than a century, gardens have brightened the Hall's façade, thanks to the efforts of custodians with green thumbs and, later, landscape contractors. Learn about the gardens at Carpenters' Hall.
Company Member Stories
Famous Early Members of the Carpenters' CompanyA listing of the early who's who of the Carpenters' Company
Carpenters' Company Members and Independence National Historical ParkWe pause to reflect on the pioneers who, without realizing it, laid the foundation for INHP.
Evan Peters, Pump MakerWells required a pump maker who fabricated, installed and repaired the mechanism for lifting water to the surface.
Colonel Procter's Mission to the IndiansIn March, 1791, Procter set out on the least known adventure of his career, and probably the most dangerous.
City Tavern: A Feast of EleganceThe story of City Tavern, in Historic Philadelphia. John Adams called it "the most genteel one in America."
Steele FamilyFive generations: builders of Philadelphia's first skyscraper, Connie Mack Stadium, and more.
Five Buildings and a TrainFrom Philadelphia's earliest days, craftsmen who formed the Carpenters' Company were already constructing their community.
Houses for Ships, Sailors, Music & MoneyAfter a century or more of service, can a building be successfully recycled?
Location, LocationHouses in uncountable hundreds became the signature construction of Company members.
Following the MoneyGeneral Washington could afford to serve without pay ... but he had a bookkeeping nightmare!
Thomas Nevell: "An ingenious House Carpenter"During his 76-year life Thomas Nevell created a new roof and spire for Independence Hall and designed Mount Pleasant in Fairmount Park. He founded the city's — and probably the nation's — first architecture school.
William Williams: "A Firm Patriot — an Honest Man"Into his 45 years, a member with the unlikely name of William Williams crammed experiences others could only admire.
