Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The basics

The monument was established in Washington Square in 1957 and includes an eternal flame and a bronze statue of George Washington. Guided ghost tours of Philadelphia often include a stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where visitors can hear about the more than 2,000 Revolutionary War soldiers buried at the site. Also found in the park is a clone of the original Moon Tree, a sycamore grown from a seed taken to space by astronaut Stuart Roosa on Apollo XIV.

Things to know before you go

• The tomb says, "Beneath this stone rests a soldier of Washington's army who died to give you liberty."

• In 2020, vandalism of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sparked debate in the city about using cultural property to make political statements.

• Pennsylvania's founder, William Penn, set aside five squares as parks for the public. Southeast Square, renamed Washington Square in 1825, was one of them.

How to get there

Washington Square is just steps from Independence Hall in downtown Philadelphia, making it a convenient stop to explore the city’s historical sites on foot. It is located along the #12 bus route and just a few blocks from the 9/10th & Locust Street PATCO train station. Taxis and ride-share services are also readily available.

When to get there

As a public park, Washington Square is open and free to visit daily. Expect to encounter the biggest crowds in the summer when families visit historic sites like Independence Hall. In the spring (March–May), you’ll run into fewer tourists, plus you’ll get to see the city's cherry blossom trees in bloom, but temperatures will be more brisk than in the summer.

Independence Hall

The birthplace of the US and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed. Park rangers lead free tours here, including nearby sites in the complex, including Congress Hall, the West Wing, and Old City Hall.