The restless spirits of Pennsylvania (Part 2)

Independence Hall which is part of the Independence National Historical Park is located in the historic old town of Philadelphia, PA. on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. It is one of many historic sites in Philadelphia and tours are given to visitors.

Originally this building was known as the Philadelphia State House and its name was changed to Independence Hall in 1732. Of Georgian architecture this beautiful 2-3 story brick building come complete with a clock and bell tower. Construction of the building began in 1730 and it was built in stages money being paid by the provincial Pennsylvania government and overlooked by Andrew Hamilton. Finally the building was completed after 21 years and paid in full.

Some of the notable historic happenings in Independence Hall were:
• It was the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress.
• In 1775 in the Assembly Room George Washington was appointed the Commander-in- Chief of the Continental Army.
• Also in the Assembly Room the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 and the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777.
• In this room The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781 and the US Constitution was drafted in 1787.
Two men who still have connections with Independence Hall:
• Ben Franklin, who was a talented man, an intellectual and famed statesman. Chosen by Pennsylvania to be their delegate to the Second Continental Congress. In 1775, he was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence.
• Benedict Arnold was a most unhappy man in 1780. He was married to a lady, who was a loyalist sympathizer and was pressurizing him to put an end to the war with the colonies which were still under English rule. Arnold’s main problems were that he had serious issues with the Continental Congress and the military, mounting personal debt, untrue corruption charges filled by the Pennsylvania civil authorities because of personal quarrels with the council president of the state, Jeremy Reed, who wanted to ruin him. At the court martial he was cleared of all civil charges but was found guilty of two trivial charges and it was recommended that he should receive a reprimand from Washington. Washington considered Arnold a victim of persecution and offered him the highest command under himself in the northern army for the next campaign. Washington’s troops were not doing well in 1780. Arnold acted on a plan of his own that he had been considering. When the plan failed he had no choice but to escape and became a Brigadier general in the British Force. In England he started a business with his two sons in New Brunswick having been banished from America forever for being a traitor. He was overcome by remorse. His name in American history has been linked to treason and his reputation ruined by his own actions. He, who could have been a great military leader met with such a sad end.
The haunting of Independence Hall:
• Entities have been seen around the 1st floor hall’s central clock tower. Closing up for the night a National Park ranger heard the security alarm go off on the 1st floor level of the clock tower. Entering the area he saw a man dressed in 18th century clothing.
• Ben Franklin has been seen around his favorite place in Philadelphia – Independence Hall being one of them.
• Benedict Arnold a sad, remorseful spirit has also been seen around the hall.

Within walking distance of Independence Hall is the Powel House located in an area known as Society Hill on South 3rd St., between Spruce and Walnut Streets. This 3 story Georgian Colonial townhouse museum was built along 3rd Street which is known as "Millionaire’s Row." It’s a house museum with a 18th century garden area. The second floor includes the rococo ballroom where George and Martha Washington celebrated their anniversary in 1779.

A real estate owner Charles Stedman built the Powel House in 1765. It was later sold to Samuel Powel who was the last mayor of Philadelphia under the Crown and the first mayor of the city after the creation of the US. Among Samuel Powel’s friends were George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin and others. Powel died in 1793 from yellow fever.

During the 1900’s it was owned by Wolf Klebansky who used it as a warehouse and office for his import/export business which included Russian and Siberian horse hair and bristles. By 1931 Powel House was run down and was supposed to be torn down leaving room for an open air garage and parking lot. To save the Powel House the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks was founded by Frances Ann Wister in 1931. They raised money and bought the property. Afterwards many other homes have been restored by the society. The Powel House can also be used for weddings, receptions and special events.

Besides the living it appears that the dead also love the house. The Marquis de Lafayette and some ghostly Continental Army Officers have been seen walking into the Powel House straight through the closed front door. A lovely, young woman wearing a beige and lavender dress has been seen in the withdrawing room (just off the 2nd floor ballroom) fanning herself. When the living spot her she smiles and vanishes into thin air.

When a man on a tour had to use the 2nd floor restroom the lights suddenly went out. It was pitch black. He found the hallway by following the side wall of the bathroom. Surprisingly a cold wind surrounded him. Then a cold hand took his and led him to the stairs. At that moment the lights went came on again and just for a second he saw who had helped him, a lovely woman, who smiled and faded away.

The spirit of Benedict Arnold has also been seen at the Powel House although it is unknown what he may be looking for or what his business there may be. They are all there awaiting visitors.