Ben Franklin Statue at Library Hall

Benjamin Franklin statue

5th St. between Chestnut and Walnut

When the APS wanted to place a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the empty niche of their library building, Franklin stipulated one thing: he be dressed in a toga. The founders of the new Republic saw themselves as just that: heirs to the Republic governments of Rome and Athens. After Franklin died, there were reported "Franklin sightings" throughout the city. People even claimed to see the statue jump down from its perch and frequent the local pubs.

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