In the heart of Philadelphia, the foundation of a house that was once nearly forgotten remains,

rather unobtrusively beneath the surface, surrounded by an open-air interpretive exhibit

that details the extensive history of a once elaborate home on the corner of 6th and Market Street.

The house inhabited by presidents George Washington and John Adams, is now little more than a pile of rubble. The significance of all

those who passed through its walls, however, is anything but diminished. Not far from the Liberty

Bell and nearly in the shadow of Independence Hall itself, the House

traded hands time and time again during the American Revolutionary War.

At its conclusion, the House would burn, rebuilt through funds provided by the financier

of the Revolution, Robert Morris.

Over time, the House would rise again, brick by brick,

not unlike the new country, still finding its footing, before eventually disappearing almost entirely.

Today, visitors to Philadelphia can observe the bits that remain, which leave important traces

to what the formative years of the United States

looked like and continue to teach important lessons about what freedom really meant at the end

of the war. I'm Jason Epperson, and this week on Parkography, the President's House at Independence

National Historical Park.

More in a moment, but first thanks to this week's sponsor Slinky Stove.

It's the only patented collapsible fire pit that stays intact when packed.

Lightweight with a compact design, it's perfect for RVers and car campers and it sets up in seconds.

With slinky stove, you get smokeless airflow rings and a clean burning fire. No more dancing around campfire smoke. Inexensive and packed with extras, the slinky stove offers a three-level

cooking system that gives you flexibility, whether it's morning coffee or evening campfire, chili,

and with contained ash, cleanups quick and easy just the way it should be on public lands.

...