Hotels in Exton, Pennsylvania

Located in the Southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, Exton is in Chester County on U.S. Highway 30. The city is a western suburb of the nearby Philadelphia and is known as the major shopping district in the area. Exton is home to the Exton Square Mall, as well as a variety of other downtown outlets, and features over a half-dozen hotel options. These hotels provide business, family and leisure accommodations such as swimming pools, complimentary breakfasts, pet-friendly rooms and work amenities.

Holiday Inn Express

• The Holiday Inn Express hotel in Exton, Pennsylvania, is in the heart of the city's downtown area just off of U.S. 30 and State Route 100. The hotel is within a mile of the dining and shopping of the Exton Square Mall and the Main Street at Exton Plaza. Accommodations and amenities at the hotel include free wireless Internet access, complimentary continental breakfasts, a fitness room with stationary bikes and treadmills, a business center with audio and visual equipment, and rooms with multiple bedding options and bathroom amenities and products.

  Holiday Inn Express
  120 North Pottstown Pike
  Exton, PA 19341
  610-524-9000?
  ichotelsgroup.com

Residence Inn - Exton

• The Residence Inn - Exton hotel in Pennsylvania is also in the heart of the city's downtown shopping district, within two miles of three different shopping centers. The hotel is within walking distance of a Chicago-style pizzeria and an Italian restaurant. Accommodations at the hotel include two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living rooms, single rooms with work areas that include desks, and hotel amenities including free wireless Internet access, a complimentary breakfast service and a business and conference room.

  Residence Inn - Exton
  10 N Pottstown Pike
  Exton, PA 19341
  610-594-9705?
  marriott.com

The Inn at Chester Springs

• The Inn at Chester Springs hotel in Exton is on the east side of the city in the Lionville neighborhood and sits just off of State Route 113. The hotel features 216 rooms over four floors and offers guests a landscaped courtyard, a banquet and party room, a business center and a live entertainment lounge. Accommodations at the hotel include free wireless Internet access, 27-inch televisions and executive suites. The hotel also features the on-site Arthur's Steakhouse restaurant and is within minutes of the Longwood Gardens, the Valley Forge National Historic Park and the Exton Square Mall.

  The Inn at Chester Springs
  815 North Pottstown Pike
  Exton, PA 19341
  610-363-1100?
  innatchestersprings.com

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Things to Do in Clarion County, Pennsylvania

With a rich history and thousands of acres of forest to explore, Clarion County is an ideal destination for explorers-at-heart who appreciate small town life and a little peace and quiet. Carved out of the rolling hills and deep river valleys of western Pennsylvania, Clarion County has year-round activities that allow visitors to connect with nature and the region's cultural heritage. From a decades-old festival celebrating autumn to thousands of acres of dense forest, the county combines old-fashioned charm with the sights and sounds of nature.

Cook Forest State Park

• A natural landmark, the 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park offers virtually any campground activity you're looking for. Home to 210 campsites and the Clarion River -- a popular spot for rafting and canoeing day trips -- this state park makes the most of its impressive acreage. For campers who prefer a roof over their heads, the park also offers 18 rustic cabins equipped with such basics as stoves, refrigerators and heating. Approximately 29 miles of hiking trails, along with horseback riding, fishing, biking and educational tours, give this park a little something for everyone. For winter travelers, the park also offers spots for ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing.

Fairs and Festivals

• Clarion County is home to fairs and festivals that celebrate the region's history and vibrant culture. The centerpiece is the county's annual Autumn Leaf Festival, a 10-day street fair held each September in downtown Clarion. The festival, which attracts more than 500,000 people to Clarion County each year, celebrates the changing colors of the fall foliage with free public concerts, a parade, carnival rides and other events. Other notable festivals include the Foxburg Scottish Festival in August. This festival comes complete with sheep dog demonstrations, live music and Scottish games. The Clarion County Fair, held in July, features local musicians, tractor pulls, a NASCAR demonstration and more.

Shopping and Dining

• Clarion County supports a diverse community of local artisans, craftsmen and restaurateurs, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of shopping and dining alternatives. The city of Clarion's historic Main Street, for example, is home to sweet shops and artisan candy makers as well as local cafes and clothing boutiques. Off the rural roads connecting towns like Foxburg, St. Petersburg, Knox and East Brady, travelers can find antique shops, apple orchards and wineries offering locally produced wares.

Local History

• Settled in the early 1800s, Clarion County has a rich history that you can freely explore. Cook Forest State Park -- located in northeast Clarion County -- is home to a historic fire tower that adventurous visitors can climb for a bird's-eye view of the park, just like firefighters did when it was built in 1929. The park is also home to other historical attractions, including a memorial fountain built in 1950 and the Log Cabin Inn, built in 1934 and home to historic artifacts like logging tools. Clarion County also hosts an annual French & Indian War encampment held in June at the Sawmill Center for the Arts. This event features historical reenactments, cannon and musket demonstrations, games and activities for children, and historic tours.

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Places to Visit in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has places to visit with activities for outdoor lovers, history buffs, wine aficionados and art enthusiasts. The county was founded by William Penn in 1682 and named for his family's home county of Buckinghamshire in England. Spread over more than 600 square miles of land and 15 square miles of water, the county is rich in natural scenery, fertile farmland, cultural activities and colonial history.

Historic Sites

• If your interest in history leads you to explore colonial America's heritage, architecture, covered bridges or small towns, Bucks County offers a multitude of sites to visit. It almost seems as if every building in Pennsylvania was built 300 years ago, but Historic Fallsington actually was built in 1692. Guided tours are available of three original buildings. Take a look at how everyday life functioned in the 17th century with a tour of Pennsbury Manor, William Penn’s 17th-century estate along the Delaware River. The 43-acre plantation has been reconstructed, and you'll find a manor house, outbuildings, livestock, gardens and exhibits. Numerous covered bridges built in the 1800s are situated around the county, including the Frankenfield Covered Bridge. Constructed in 1872, it's one of the longest covered bridges in the county.

County Parks and Lake Luxembourg

• Discover eight parks in Bucks County, including Core Creek Park, one of the most popular because of its size and amenities. The 1,200-acre park has playgrounds for kids with swings and climbing apparatus, ball fields, an off-leash dog park, multi-use courts, bike trails, hiking trails and walking paths. The park surrounds Lake Luxembourg, where you can boat and fish or take part in unusual activities open to visitors. Try the dragon boat experience, in which you ride in a boat with 20 paddlers total, a drummer and a steersperson. There also are full moon kayak tours, rowing lessons and junior boating camps. Picnic tables are available so you can enjoy a bite to eat. The county also oversees two historic properties and an additional nine recreation sites that offer numerous amenities, including boat rentals and facilities for tennis, swimming and golf.

Bucks County Wine Trail

• Nine family or small wineries dot the hills of Bucks County, minutes apart from each other, making a wine tour an easy afternoon event. Many of the tasting rooms also have gourmet tidbits or snacks for purchase and a picnic table or two where you can enjoy a glass of wine. The moderate climate of the area has helped bring the county into the forefront of grape-growing regions on the East Coast. At Buckingham Valley Vineyards, while you taste a fruit or port wine, you can admire the sculpture and art on display, most by local artists. If you're a music fan, make sure to visit New Hope Winery -- there are concerts most weekends in the 250-seat concert venue.

Arts Action

• The culture and activities of the area are captured by local artists whether they're painters, quilters, sculptors or tile makers. The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown is a National Historic Landmark open for tours that functions as a "working history" museum. Handmade tiles are available for purchase, as are mosaics made in the American Arts and Crafts tradition. In another medium, artist Al Lachman depicts American barns and landscapes in his paintings at the Lachman Gallery in Lahaska. Quilters showcase more than a hundred pieces at the annual Bucks County Quilt Show in Bensalem; visitors can see traditional, Amish and artistry quilts. In historic Quakertown, you can participate in annual events and festivals, such as an arts festival, a fall harvest festival or a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

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Train Rides & Tourist Attractions in Pennsylvania

When people think of Pennsylvania, they may think of Hershey's chocolate in Harrisburg, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, or Amish residents in Lancaster. Many tourist attractions surround Pennsylvania. This state even has rare train rides for the entire family. Surprise yourself by seeing what Pennsylvania has to offer in the tourism industry.

The Constitutional Walking Tour and Surrounding Areas

• Philadelphia is rich in our nation's history, and the Constitutional Walking Tour self-guides you with an interactive map for three miles where you can visit various historical places, including the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House. Thirty-two locations make up this free self-guided tour. Fees vary depending on where you visit. Just as Rocky Balboa did in the movie "Rocky," climb the 72 steps and raise your hands at the top at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Lancaster County

• Home to the Dutch Amish country, Lancaster has plenty of things to do and see. Thomas the Tank Engine waits for riders at its home, namely the Choo Choo Barn, which opened in 1961. With 22 trains running today, The Choo Choo Barn boasts Thomas the Tank Engine as the most popular ride for kids. Rare oddities lie on shelves in the gift shop. Admission prices for adults 12 and up are $7 and $4 for kids 3-11 as of January 2011. Kids under 3 enter free.

Hershey Park

• Before entering the park, head into Chocolate World, where you can take a free tour in a trainlike ride and see thousands of assorted chocolates. If you like the smell of chocolate, the aroma produced in Chocolate World will make you crave chocolate all day. Then, head into Hershey Park; if you want to avoid long lines and a crowd, visit Hershey Park on a Sunday, according to its website. Prices vary depending on age, time of day and promotions.

Cherry Crest Farm

• Do something a little unusual and visit Cherry Crest Farm. Try to make your way through their "maize maze" of corn. In 2007, it made a Sports Illustrated for Kids list of "25 cool things to do" for kids. Take a guided wagon tour, watch a singing chicken show or jump on a gigantic pillow. Cherry Crest Farm has more than 50 activities, including harvesting festivals.

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Things to Do in Shawnee, Pennsylvania

Shawnee on the Delaware is a small village with a big history that dates back more than 10,000 years when the area was formed after one of the area's last glaciers melted. With its fertile soil and riverfront location, the village and its surrounding area was later settled by Lenape Indians and eventually by the Shawnee Indians for whom the village is named. In addition to its rich history, Shawnee on the Delaware and the surrounding area offers a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities and other activities.

Hiking

• Shawnee and the surrounding area offers many great trails, including the McDade Trail, which sprawls along a parallel path to the Delaware River, beginning at the Hialeah Picnic Area located on River Road in Shawnee. This 32-mile recreational trail is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is open for hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycling and walking pets. It features views of surrounding forests, cliffs and the river. You can also hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, a footpath that spans 2,150 miles from Maine to Georgia. From Shawnee, The nearest access points include one in nearby Worthington State Forest and another in Delaware Water Gap and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Water Sports

• Perhaps the mighty Delaware River is calling to you, or maybe you want to try your hand at a new sport. In either case, consider booking an adventure with Shawnee River Trips, a company that provides kayak, raft and canoe rentals; organized canoe, kayak and raft trips; as well as classes and instruction on water sports, including stand up paddleboarding. If you prefer going fishing, cast a line right in the river or book an outing with Shawnee Fishing Trips, which is located at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Course, a historic hotel that is surrounded by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on three sides. Shawnee Fishing Trips has guided drift boat fishing trips available for families, couples, individuals and small groups.

Festivals and Events

• You can do more than just ski or snowboard at Shawnee Mountain. The ski resort hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. For example, in the fall, you can enjoy the surrounding foliage while attending September's Rodeo and Chili Cook-off or you can do a little early holiday shopping at Art on the Mountain, an annual art show held in mid-November. If you enjoy going to the theater, you may enjoy seeing a show at Shawnee Playhouse, which has matinee and evening performances of shows such as the Odd Couple and the Nutcracker Ballet.

Other Nearby Attractions

• If you are a golfing enthusiast, imagine teeing off on the same golf course that Sam Snead and Jackie Gleason once played. The 27-hole championship golf course at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is open seasonally, usually beginning in mid-April. Bushkill Falls, which is also known as "Niagara of Pennsylvania," is a must-see attraction located about 10 miles away from Shawnee in Bushkill. Bring a camera with you so you can snap photos along the picturesque path to Bridal Veil Falls or near the 100-foot Main Falls.

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Places to Visit in Quarryville, Pennsylvania

The green hills and fertile soil in and around Quarryville, Pennsylvania, sustains farms and the agricultural way of life in the area, but Quarryville, a historic borough in Lancaster County, got its name from the early development of limestone quarries. The oldest building dates back to 1791, when one of the first settlers constructed a big stone home near his quarries. The tranquil, residential community is in the heart of Amish country, often referred to as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Playing in the Parks

• Bring your sports gear to two city parks -- one in Quarryville and the other in south Lancaster -- where you can get out and play. The 3.5-acre Huffnagle Park in Quarryville has picnic tables, playground equipment, a trail and ball field for pickup games. It's a popular gathering spot in summer for the town's concert series. People flock to the 544-acre Central Park, about 10 miles north of Quarryville, because of its amenities. Those include the county pool, a skateboard park with ramps and bowls, volleyball areas, ball and soccer fields, stream fishing, canoe launching; in winter, there is cross-country skiing and sledding hills. As a bonus, campers can spend the night in the adjacent Mill Creek Camping Area. This 10-acre site is for tent camping only, but has water, portable toilets, fire rings and grills.

Admiring the Amish

• Take time to appreciate Pennsylvania Dutch Country and learn about Amish lifestyle and culture. Most Amish families farm and produce crafts while maintaining a religious way of life that centers on simple living, plain dress and a renouncement of modern conveniences and technology. While you most likely won't be able to visit actual farms or homes unless specifically invited, you can learn about the Amish through area museums, reconstructed villages, buggy rides, restaurants, roadside stands selling produce and goods, quilt shops and boutiques that sell their goods.

Go Hiking, Horseback Riding and Kite Flying

• Those who love to get outside and roam have ample room to hike, horseback ride and fly kites at two state parks within 20 miles of Quarryville. The 224-acre Susquehannock State Park has panoramic views of Susquehanna River and attracts equestrians and hikers with its 5 miles of hiking trails through paths surrounded by plants, and numerous horseback riding trails in the river hills. There are five hitching rails throughout the park, and trailer parking is available in the large upper lot. Head to the Overlook Trail -- it's less than 1 mile -- to take in the two scenic vistas overlooking the Susquehanna River. For a more strenuous hike, head to the 1.2-mile, Rhododendron Trail; there is some steep and rocky terrain. At the 85-acre Samuel S. Lewis State Park, the first thing you'll notice is Mt. Pisgah, an 885-foot-high hill. Kite flyers come individually and in groups to the crest of the hill to fly kites.

Come Celebrate

• The Annual Bridge Bust takes place in October and centers around the Veterans Memorial covered bridge on Rte. 462 between Columbia and Wrightsville, about 30 miles northwest of Quarryville. Instead of cars, you'll find more than 300 vendors on the 1.25-mile bridge; you can shop for antiques, art, crafts and food. If it's food you crave, check out the Annual Taste of the River Towns in April in Columbia, where you'll sample restaurants' and food vendors' fares, or the annual Whoopie Pie Festival in September in Lancaster County, where you can taste more than 100 different whoopie pie flavors. The Elizabethtown Fair in August festivities include livestock shows, games, music, rides and food. It's about 35 miles north of Quarryville.

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Things to Do on Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania

Summers in Erie, Pennsylvania, mean a trip to the sandy shores of Presque Isle. The 3,200-acre peninsula stretches into Lake Erie, creating swimming beaches, miles of hiking trails and lagoons ripe for fishing. Though open year-round, the park really comes alive beginning Memorial Day weekend when the lifeguards climb to the top of their watchtowers, signaling the start of swim season.

Swimming

• Eleven distinct beaches are found on Presque Isle. Beach 1 and Barracks Beach, the peninsula's liveliest beaches, are closest to the park's entrance. Further north at Beach 6 on Peninsula Drive, high-schoolers playing at any of the eight volleyball courts are a common sight. At the peninsula's far eastern end, the flat, placid waves of Beach 11 remain attractive to families with small children. All 11 beaches have at least minimal parking available and lifeguards on duty daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Boating

• Four boat launches, some with multiple ramps, exist throughout Presque Isle. Large boats head to the West Pier Boat Launch near the Marina, accessible by West Foster Road. Smaller water crafts, such as jet skis, use the Vista Boat Launch near the park's entrance. While motorized boats are allowed in park waters, they are not allowed in the park's lagoons and must slow to a small wake speed when approaching shorelines. Boat rentals are available on the peninsula from Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery at Graveyard Pond.

Fishing

• The temperate freshwater of Lake Erie translates to an abundance of fish species, drawing scores of fishermen. Waterworks Beach, Perry Monument, North Pier and the many lagoons on the peninsula's south end continue to draw anglers. The fishing spots at West and East Pier are accessible to wheelchairs, which are available to rent at Yellow Bike Rentals on Peninsula Drive at no charge. Perch, bass, smelt and steelhead are common catches at Presque Isle, where an easily obtainable Pennsylvania fishing license from the state's fish and boat commission is required to fish.

Hiking and Cycling

• Fifteen short trails, from one quarter mile to two miles in length, constitute 11 miles of hiking trails on Presque Isle. In particular, the now-paved Sidewalk Trail leads hikers from Presque Isle Lighthouse along a formerly wooden boardwalk to the U.S. Lighthouse boathouse on Misery Bay. On one of the longest trails, Dead Pond Trail, hikers tour through different ecological zones, former sand dunes, and an oak and maple forest. No bicycles or other wheeled equipment are allowed on hiking trails. Cyclists stick to the 13.5-mile Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose National Recreation Trail that loops through the park.

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The Things to Do in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania

Nestled between the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, Roaring Spring is located in the midst of southern Pennsylvania's vast natural resources. The area offers abundant opportunities for fishing, camping and hiking. You can also immerse yourself in the region's rich history, and take part in a wide variety of local fairs, festivals and events.

Catch the Big One

• Roaring Spring is less than 30 minutes from Raystown Lake, the largest lake that lies entirely within Pennsylvania's borders. The 8,300-acre reservoir is known for productive fishing, particularly for striped bass. Catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye and muskellunge are also available. Spring and early summer provide prime fishing conditions, though fall is also an excellent season for striper fishing. Raystown Lake's mostly undeveloped shoreline is home to numerous parks, recreation areas, boat launches and fishing access sites. If you're unfamiliar with the lake, you can also book a fishing trip with one of the many licensed guides and charter services in the area. A current Pennsylvania fishing license -- available at bait shops and through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website -- is required to fish the lake.

Discover History

• History is everywhere in the Roaring Spring area. Many of the region's historical sites are located in and around the nearby city of Altoona, 20 minutes north of Roaring Spring. You can visit the Blair County Historical Society, housed in the historic Baker Mansion Museum, or take a trip to Fort Roberdeau, where costumed guides recreate life in the 18th century. If you don't want to leave Roaring Spring, you can visit Spring Dam Park, home to the "roaring" spring for which the town was named. The park sits right next door to Blair County's last remaining train station, which houses a restored 1942 PRR N5C caboose. If you're interested in railroad history, you can learn more at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.

Head Into the Wild

• Roaring Spring is within a 40-minute drive of four Pennsylvania state parks. Canoe Creek State Park, the closest of the four, spans 150 acres of marshlands, mature woodlands and fields, including eight miles of hiking trails. The park also offers swimming, boating and fishing access on Canoe Creek lake, as well as accommodations in eight modern, fully furnished cabins. Nearby Trough Creek and Blue Knob state parks provide campsites for tents and RVs with electric hookups, picnic tables, campfire rings, modern restrooms and showers. Blue Knob is arguably the best state park for hiking and backpacking, with access to the 26-mile Lost Turkey Trail as well as several shorter trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Campground and cabin reservations are available by phone or through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Enjoy Local Events

• The Roaring Spring area hosts numerous events throughout the year, ranging from fairs and craft shows to live music and historical reenactments. The annual Spring Dam Weekend, held every summer at the site of the town's namesake spring, includes various food and craft vendors along with a youth beauty pageant, outdoor film screening, parade and community yard sale, among many other attractions. Other events around Blair County include the Altoona Arts Festival, an annual Fourth of July Celebration in Martinsburg and the Williamsburg Farm Show. An up-to-date listing of current and upcoming events is available at PaVendors.com.

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Things to Do Around Sno Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Home to Montage Mountain -- formerly known as Sno Mountain -- Scranton, Pennsylvania, draws in visitors to ski the slopes in winter and zip down waterslides in summer. But for those seeking activities away from the mountain, Scranton does not disappoint. A rich railroading history and numerous parks and attractions ensure there is something to appeal to every member of your family.

Ride the Rails

• Feel the excitement and smell the steam as you take a short train ride at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Learn about steam railroading’s history and technology, and watch a film discussing the changes the railroads underwent in the early 1900s. At the Electric City Trolley Museum, take a trolley excursion on the Laurel Line electric interurban railroad, peruse the exhibits featuring restored trolley cars, model trains and railroad memorabilia, and take part in interactive displays about electric railways.

Step Back in Time

• Learn the history of Lackawanna County at the Caitlin House, home of the Lackawanna Historical Society. Browse two floors of exhibits including period artifacts, toys, textiles, an Edison Phonograph, military memorabilia and bone jewelry. One of the oldest museums in the state, Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art was founded in 1908 and features three floors of permanent and temporary exhibits. Meander through the galleries to view artifacts, fossils, rocks and minerals, Dorflinger glass, African art, ancient collections and American fine art.

Get Some Fresh Air

• Walk along the wooden bridge to the David Wenzel Tree House at Nay Aug Park. The tree house is 150 feet above the gorge and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The largest city park also offers walking trails, two playgrounds, two Olympic-sized pools and a waterslide complex. Bring your dog to play in the dog park at Connell Park. You can also play on the playground, splash in the pool or join in a game of basketball. At Ricketts Glen State Park, walk the Falls Trail to see a series of waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Access the trailhead from the Lake Rose parking lot, Beach Parking Lot No. 2 or PA 118 parking lot.

Fun for Kids

• Visit the world’s only building devoted to Harry Houdini at the Houdini Museum. Enjoy a 55-minute-long magic show that features animals and professional magicians, watch a movie that includes rare footage of Houdini and take a guided tour to see a collection of magic memorabilia. In neighboring Clarks Summit, enjoy a round of miniature golf at Lahey Family Fun Park. Practice your swing in the batting cages, race to the finish on the quarter-mile go-kart track -- children under 12 ride free with an adult -- or bump along on the bumper boats.

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Civil War Landmarks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love did not escape the war that divided a nation. Soldiers from both sides of the Civil War are buried in historical Philadelphia cemeteries and remembered with monuments in Pennsylvania’s largest city. Even Independence Hall, most well known for the signing of the Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution, would become would another sort of landmark for the Civil War. It’s where President Abraham Lincoln made a speech to raise funds for war hospitals, and where he would temporarily lie in state following his assassination. After the war was over, Independence Hall’s iconic Liberty Bell was sent from city to city to remind Americans what had first united them.

Memorials to See

• Marking one entrance to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial includes two separate structures, one with sculptures of sailors and the other with soldiers. At another entrance to the park stands the Smith Memorial Arch, comprising two arches adorned with sculptures and busts of Pennsylvania’s Civil War heroes. Statues of two Union generals, Major General George Gordon Meade and Major General John F. Reynolds, stand atop columns beside the arches. At Aviator Park, the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors has sculptures commemorating the Civil War’s African-American troops.

Civil War Statues

• Outside City Hall, see another statue of Union General John F. Reynolds, astride his horse. He died at the Battle of Gettysburg. A statue of Union General George McClellan astride a horse also stands outside City Hall. At Fairmount Park, see a statue of Union General Ulysses S. Grant astride his horse and a statue of Union General Meade, who defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg. A statue of Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation was erected in 1871. Outside the Union League of Philadelphia, a city club formed to support the Union cause, are two statues depicting unnamed Union soldiers. A statue of Union General Galusha Pennypacker stands next to Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

At Landmark Cemeteries

• Hundreds of Civil War soldiers and veterans are buried at Laurel Hill, a national historic landmark that offers regularly scheduled tours of the cemetery built in 1836. Meade is buried there, and so is Confederate General John C. Pemberton, who surrendered to Grant at Vicksburg. At Philadelphia National Cemetery, where the Union’s Pennypacker is buried, the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument was built to remember Confederate soldiers buried there.

Museums Decicated to the War

• The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, chartered in 1888, houses 3,000 Civil War artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, battle flags, military band instruments and battlefield surgical instruments. An elaborately crafted sword given to Grant after his capture of Vicksburg is part of the collection. The Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library, located in the Ruan House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a smaller collection of Civil War artifacts. Among its holdings are battlefield tree stumps embedded with cannonballs. Fort Mifflin, the site of battles against the British during the American Revolution, became a lesser landmark during the Civil War when it was converted into a prison to hold Union, Confederate and civilian wrongdoers.

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