Something big went down 250 years ago at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.The Founders finalized the Declaration of Independence there.But something big also went down at Independence Hall just a few days ago — literally.As in the ground.Congress adopted a resolution mandating burial of a time capsule just a few feet away from Independence Hall to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.And the instructions are clear — do not open until the year 2276, 250 years from now.FLASHBACK: AS AMERICA TURNS 250, HERE'S HOW THE NATION CELEBRATED ITS BIGGEST BIRTHDAYSUnited States Capitol (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)"Our responsibility is not simply to remember what happened here on these grounds.
But to preserve those same ideals of whose generation came before and that will come after us," said Rep.Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., who traveled with a coterie of bipartisan lawmakers to Philadelphia for the occasion.Congress met in Philadelphia from 1790 to 1800 before decamping to what is now Washington, DC.
In fact, the District of Columbia exists because of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783.That’s when a mob of Continental Army soldiers threatened the security of Independence Hall after the fledgling American government failed to pay them.Alexander Hamilton advocated for what the Constitution describes as a federal "District" to serve as the "seat of government." The primary purpose of the unique federal enclave was to protect the Congress."The Congressional time capsule is a reflection of our faith in the future of this grand experiment in self-governance," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
"When this capsule is finally opened, those Americans will be as distant from us as we are today from the men who signed their names on our declaration."Each U.S.state and all six of its territories furnished artifacts to bury in the stainless steel time capsule.There were letters from Congressional leaders.
Also ones from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary ...