National Funeral for President Washington
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
George Washington died on December 14, 1799. Congress set Dec. 26 as a day of formal mourning in Philadelphia, the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800. The national funeral service was in Zion Lutheran Church--located at this site, 1766-1870--and among those attending was President John Adams. In his funeral oration, Congressman Henry Lee spoke the famous tribute: "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
When George Washington died in December 1799, Philadelphia was still the nation's capital, and Congress set aside December 26 for formal mourning. The national memorial service filled Zion Lutheran Church, which stood on this site from 1766 to 1870, with President John Adams among the mourners. It was here that Congressman Henry Lee delivered the immortal eulogy remembering Washington as 'first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'
Why it matters
The nation's public grief for its first president helped forge a shared civic identity in the fragile early republic, and the words spoken here became one of the most enduring tributes in American memory.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Betsy Ross House0.1 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.1 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio0.2 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.2 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tournearby
- Benjamin Franklin Gravenearby
- Elfreth's Alley0.2 mi away
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.1 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Bubble Tea Room0.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic Districtnearby · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.2 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.3 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.3 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.3 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · George Washington
- · John Adams
- · Henry Lee
Related events
- · National funeral service for George Washington
Themes & tags
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