Completed in 1753, the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia was the most ambitious public building in the thirteen colonies. Fittingly, it became the venue for the Second Continental Congress, which began meeting in May 1776. Here , on July 4, 1776 , the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed . The edifice became known as Independence Hall and is considered the birthplace of the United States. British General Howe aimed to capture the city and the seat of the rebel government. Wikipedia
