Abstract: Philadelphia is the case study for this chapter because of the famous political meetings that occurred inside the State House (now known as Independence Hall), as well as the dramatic mobilization of Philadelphians “out of doors.” This chapter examines the various types of political activity that took place outside the Court House and the town meetings in the State House Yard (now Independence Square). During the decade that preceded the Revolution, groups outside the political elite increasingly began mobilizing just outside the halls of power. They became frustrated with the unresponsive, oligarchic legislature. By 1774, these outdoor gatherings had cleared the way for the meetings of the Continental Congress at Carpenter's Hall and the State House that ordained Philadelphia the capital of the American Revolution.

Keywords: Philadelphia,, State House,, Independence Hall,, State House Yard,, Independence Square,, politics out of doors,, legislature,, courthouse,