PHILADELPHIA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Walking Philadelphia’s Military Past: From Revolutionary Halls to Memorial Flames
A 2.5-hour guided walking tour through Philadelphia’s historic district that visits memorials, Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, and preserved naval ships along the Delaware waterfront.
Walking Philadelphia’s Military Past: From Revolutionary Halls to Memorial Flames.
This guided walking tour threads through Old City and the historic district of Philadelphia, tracing the city’s outsized role in the birth and memory of the United States military—from the resting place of the first Commandant of the Continental Marines to monuments, museum interpretation, and waterfront ships that speak to naval history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Birthplaces of America’s Armed Forces
Begin at the Arch Street Meeting House, the resting place of Samuel Nicholas—credited as the first Commandant of the Continental Marines—and learn how Independence Hall helped shape the Army, Navy and Marines.
Monuments, Flames and the Tomb of the Unknown
Stroll through Washington Square to view the monument to George Washington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame, and visit powerful memorials dedicated to the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
A Museum Presentation and Preserved Battleships
The route includes a presentation at the Museum of the American Revolution and concludes at the Delaware waterfront where preserved battleships tied to the city’s naval past sit permanently docked.
What the day feels like
On Foot Through Layered Military Memory
Led by a local guide, the tour moves at a walking pace across Old City’s cobbled streets and green squares, punctuated by memorials, house sites and a museum presentation that together map Philadelphia’s influence on early American military institutions and later conflicts.
THE ORIGINS
Birthplaces of America’s Armed Forces
Begin at the Arch Street Meeting House, the resting place of Samuel Nicholas—credited as the first Commandant of the Continental Marines—and learn how Independence Hall helped shape the Army, Navy and Marines.
THE MEMORIALS
Monuments, Flames and the Tomb of the Unknown
Stroll through Washington Square to view the monument to George Washington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame, and visit powerful memorials dedicated to the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
THE MUSEUM & THE WATERFRONT
A Museum Presentation and Preserved Battleships
The route includes a presentation at the Museum of the American Revolution and concludes at the Delaware waterfront where preserved battleships tied to the city’s naval past sit permanently docked.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this tour—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours.
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable for a 2.5-hour walking tour through Old City and the waterfront.
Meet at the Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19106 to begin the tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Philadelphia Military History Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19106.
Is the tour on foot?
Yes — it is a guided walking tour through Philadelphia’s historic district.
Which major sites are included on the route?
Stops include the Arch Street Meeting House, Mikveh Israel Congregation, Independence Hall, Washington Square, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, and the Delaware waterfront.
Does the tour include a museum presentation?
Yes — the itinerary includes a presentation at the Museum of the American Revolution.
Will I see naval ships on the tour?
The tour ends at the Delaware waterfront where preserved battleships are permanently docked and visible from the park.