Old City Hall

When the Supreme Court met here in the 1790s, it struggled to define its role in the new government.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

5th and Chestnut Streets

Significance:

The Supreme Court of the United States met here in the 1790s

Designation:

National Historical Park

Amenities

5 listed

Assistive Listening Systems, Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Wheelchair Accessible

The Supreme Court Chamber is open daily 9 am–5 pm, and the store in the vestibule is open daily from 10 am–4 pm.

Finished in 1791, this building served as City Hall for Philadelphia. During the 1790s, Philadelphia was the nation's temporary capital, and the city often lent its courtroom out to the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court of the United States. It was while meeting here that the Supreme Court struggled to define its role in the new government. City Council met on the second floor while court convened in the room below.