4th and Walnut Sts., 215/965-2305
www.nps.gov/inde [1]
HOURS: By tour only, times vary
COST: Free; tickets available at Independence Visitor Center [2] on first-come, first-served basis combined with a tour of the Bishop White House [3], limited to 10 people
In 1791–1793, future first lady Dolley Payne lived in this Georgian home with her husband, lawyer John Todd. Todd died during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic, leaving young Dolley to care for their son. She quickly attracted the attentions of many men, including a lawyer from Virginia, James Madison.
They were married and he became president of the United States and she one of the favorite first ladies in history. The parlor of the house is believed to be where Madison— 17 years her senior—first wooed young Dolley.
On the tour you can see a reproduction of John Todd’s law office and leather fire buckets hanging from the ceiling. Most of all, it exemplifies a middle-class American home in the late 18th century.
Links:
[1] http://www.nps.gov/inde
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/sights/old-city/independence-national-historical-park/independence-visitor-center
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/sights/old-city/independence-national-historical-park/bishop-white-house