BETSY ROSS HOUSE

239 Arch Street
(215)627-5343
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Free

The Betsy Ross house is located in the Historic District of Philadelphia and is actually below ground level. It is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and is actually owned and maintained by Philadelphia itself. What many people may not know is that there is a fiery debate over whether or not Betsy Ross actually produced the first American flag, or even if she lived in the house on Arch Street, but in any event, it is a very fitting monument to her contributions and a nice way to see the historical side of Philadelphia.

Visitors first approaching the area will immediately notice the gift shop, which is also fashioned in Colonial architecture and features various Revolutionary-Era knickknacks. The actual entrance to the house is found to the right of the structure, and requires the visitor to descend a narrow stone staircase, making it inaccessible to people with physical disabilities. Also, any trip to the little brick house can be easily combined with a stop in Atwater Kent Park; with its benches and antique fountain, it provides a great place to stop and reflect. It could also double as a place to wait, as the house’s popularity sometimes causes larger crowds to gather.

Inside, there are eight rooms fashioned with period furniture and decorations, along with plaques detailing where and when Betsy used the rooms, and what she and her husband did in each. For example, the room in which she sewed the first flag is located upstairs and marked accordingly. Actual items belonging to the family, such as Ross’ reading glasses and Bible, are scattered throughout. A very well-versed guide is on hand to answer any questions, and picture-taking is both allowed and encouraged. Definitely not to be missed, the Betsy Ross House is a true national treasure and a welcome stop on any tour of historic Philadelphia.