Welcome to Independence Hall, birthplace of America’s Democracy.
Both the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution were signed here. Walking onto these hallowed grounds was like stepping back into time. It was in this room that those crucial documents were signed.
Seriously, two and a half centuries ago our nation was born in this room. How amazing is that?
And it was in this chair that George Washington sat. This is the original chair that our 1st President sat in. The chair. No joke.
So I said to myself, “what would be the absolute coolest thing I could do in this room?”
“Why, sit in George Washington’s Chair!” – or at least ask.
Now I didn’t want to just come out and ask the ranger, that would be a sure no. So instead I tried to be coy.
Me: “Tell me, when the park is closed, do all the rangers take turns sitting in George Washington’s Chair?”
Her: “No, there are too many cameras on that chair.”
Me: “Really?”
Her: “Really.”
Me: “That’s too bad. That would be fun.”
(and here’s where I found out some juicy gossip)
Her: “We don’t even let The President sit in that chair. Whenever politicians come and want to sit in that chair, we switch it out with an identical chair that we have upstairs. They never know.”
Me: “Really?”
Her: “Really. A butt’s a butt. Anyone can break that chair. It’s over two centuries old. No one is allowed to sit in that chair.”
Me: “Wow.”
So while I didn’t get to sit in the chair, I did learn some delicious information that not even The President is aware of. So don’t tell him.
But I’m curious, What would you do? If you were a Park Ranger and had Independence Hall to yourself, would you try to sneak your bottom on this piece of history? Share by commenting.
I’ll see you out there…! Just not on George’s chair
And while you’re here, please be sure to visit my online travel store for some unique travel gifts.
Visit the adventures with ben online store for travel ebooks
Loading ...
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Pinterest
I have shocked myself by the amount of times I have been booted from a place for doing things just like sitting in the chair. I imagine I must have some form of Tourette’s syndrome of rule breaking while traveling. Fortunately, I have not broken any chairs — so no harm yet.
Devin the Travel Writer recently posted something special..The 5-Star- 2-Star Conundrum- part one
Devin, you have piqued my curiosity, what have you done to get kicked out?
Haha… Love this post. I don’t think I would dare do it if I know they will throw me into jail for just putting my butt there. Love the ranger’s response, “A butt’s a butt.” Straight forward!
Norbert recently posted something special..Bargaining 101- The Art of Haggling on your Travels
And her delivery was impeccable Norbert.
I would be very tempted to sit in that chair, but I hope that I’d resist the urge — wouldn’t want to be responsible for breaking it!
I love visiting historic sites, especially from that time period and any place that George Washington actually visited or lived. Haven’t yet been to Independence Hall.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted something special..Three Months in a New York Minute
Cathy,
What if you could get away with it? Would you still try?
Shame on you for even suggesting our venerated park rangers might not follow the rules! =)
I wouldn’t even *look* at that chair too long. Can you imagine being the one to break GW’s chair?
No Vacation Required recently posted something special..Passports with Purpose – Build a Village and Eat Pastries
No Vacation Required,
I didn’t suggest, I merely asked the question. It’s my civic duty as a journalist.
Funny piece!
Robin recently posted something special..Vampiros
Thanks Robin!
Ben it would definitely have to be a chicken costume – please post a picture. Nobody would recognise you!
Kerry-ann recently posted something special..Keeping sane in Santiago- Chile airport
I think I may be too chicken to pull off a stunt like this Kerry-ann.
Wow that is crazy, I didnt even know we had all these things still. Im in awww cus I serioulsy never even thought it would be possible to sit on the chair our 1st pres. sat on. Hmmm no Im very curious to visit the room our nation was born in.
To answer your question, I think I would have asked the ranger 1st like you did…lol!!!
Jaime recently posted something special..THE CONSEQUENCES
Jaime, definitely check it out, it’s worth it.
Great piece of gossip.Next time I do and look at that chair >I<'ll contemplate it with a different eye.
Inka,
As soon as you step into that room you look at everything with a whole new perspective. It’s amazing to be in that room, with the actual pieces used to create history.
Nope, I just wouldn’t be able to sit in the chair. I’m too much of a “rule follower”. I sure would take a moment to reflect on the history it represents though.
Donna, rules were meant to be broken!
Hhhmmm… Would I sit? I’d really want to – but those cameras – and you just KNOW you’re butt would be the one! You just know it! I LOVE the fact that world leaders want to – and they totally pull one over on them! That’s awesome!
Sure Washington… but what about those other men – some of whom also likely sat on the chair & we don’t know – and they never dreamed of this blog one day – imagine Jefferson & Adams sitting back, then getting up to let George sit. Every day men (and women) sitting & writing & doing their job & making history… too freaking cool!
Rori,
I thought the fact that the Park Ranger pulled a switcheroo on the President was a great story. Plus her butt’s a butt comment made me laugh. My butt would probably be the one too – but then again, what an even better story, but at the risk of souring part of our history. I don’t know if it’s worth it. I’d settled for hovering over the chair.
Love the angle you took with this topic – really gave it a new life and perspective. To answer your question I would sit on the chair where history began – but first I would make sure nobody recognised me. With all those cameras that is a sure way to get into serious trouble.
Kerry-ann recently posted something special..Keeping sane in Santiago- Chile airport
Kerry-Ann, glad you enjoyed the post. Putting on a costume is the simplest way to get away with it. Why didn’t I think of that? I guess I know where to shop next time I’m in Philly. Gorilla, chicken or clown?
Brilliantly written – great angle you’ve taken! Good to see that you too have scaffolding on your landmarks! But would I sit?? Mmm?
John in France recently posted something special..Shop Window Surprise – Provence
John,
I was a bit disappointed at first with the scaffolding, but I’ve come to expect it. Ya gotta preserve it sometime!