Philadelphia Museum — Ground Plan, c. 1821—26

The Philadelphia Museum — or Peale’s Museum as it was colloquially known — was born out of the home of Charles Willson Peale (living at 3rd and Lombard Streets) in 1786. Running out of space, he moved the growing collection of natural history specimens and art to the American Philosophical Society (1794 - 1802) and then to the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall (1802 - 1827).

This diagram of the second floor of the State House locates the collections as they were displayed from roughly 1821 to 1826. It is based on the work of Peale’s grandson, George Escol Sellers (1808—99), recalled and drawn in his later years.

Washington’s ultimate success as the American commander in chief, however, never stemmed from his military abilities. He was never a traditional military hero. He had no smashing, stunning victories, and his tactical and strategic maneuvers were never the sort that awed men. Instead, it was his character and political talent and judgement that mattered most. His stoicism, dignity, and perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible odds came to symbolize the entire Revolutionary cause.

— Gordon S. Wood

The American Revolution: A History (2002)