The Messy History of the Revolution: Philadelphia Walking Tour
Overview
We all know George Washington didn't chop down a cherry tree, so why do we keep telling that story?
Americans love myths about the Founding Fathers that make us feel proud. But behind the grand stories of brilliance and triumph, we find imperfect people who were only human—kind, cruel, funny, and very rarely chopping down trees.
Here's what makes this tour different: We talk about what's being quietly removed from National Park Service displays. The stories that complicate the narrative. The details that don't fit neatly into patriotic mythology. This is history before it gets sanitized.
This is an intentionally small group tour—capped at just a handful of people—because these conversations deserve more than a megaphone and a crowd. You'll have space to ask questions and grapple with who these men actually were versus who we've needed them to be.
Small group. Big conversations. The history they're editing out.
What's Included
- Guide Services
- Bottled water Water can be purchased at the Wawa nearby for $3
Meeting Location
522 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
We will end outside the Betsy Ross House and your guide can give you directions to wherever you need to go afterwards.
What To Expect
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Benjamin Franklin's Grave
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Independence Hall
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The President's House
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Liberty Bell Center
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Washington Square
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Carpenters' Hall
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Franklin Court
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Betsy Ross House
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot travel two miles and lack assistance or a mobility aid
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants must be carried by a parent or guardian
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Messy History of the Revolution: Philadelphia Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5500296P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Philadelphia and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Philadelphia customers.
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- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- Guide Services.
- Bottled water. Water can be purchased at the Wawa nearby for $3.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Messy History of the Revolution: Philadelphia Walking Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot travel two miles and lack assistance or a mobility aid
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Messy History of the Revolution: Philadelphia Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Philadelphia. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Guide Services
- Bottled waterWater can be purchased at the Wawa nearby for $3
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot travel two miles and lack assistance or a mobility aid
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants must be carried by a parent or guardian
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers
