The marker is located at SE corner of S 3rd Street & Chancellor Street (Thomas Paine Place)
During my recent visit to Philadelphia, I came across the area where, on this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published his 47-page pamphlet “Common Sense“. He sold 500,000 copies which influenced both the political leaders and average colonists in uniting toward a common goal of independence.
The building is no longer there but I was thrilled to see the site where one of the most important documents of the Revolution was produced. “Common Sense” was definitely a game-changer. He wrote:
Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe. Hither they have fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.”
It’s fascinating to me how quickly Paine became a supporter of American Independence. While he was still living in England, he met Ben Franklin who happened to be at a debate in which Paine was impressing everyone in the audience. It was Franklin who encouraged him to immigrate to Philadelphia in 1774 and within two years he wrote “Common Sense”. After writing his pamphlet, he served in the US Army and with the Committee of Foreign Affairs. He returned to England in 1787, where he bravely continued to write in favor of Independence. He wrote “The Rights of Man” in which he supported the French Revolution. Because he was targeted as an anti-monarchist, he fled to France but was arrested in 1793 for not supporting the beheading of Louis XVI. Thomas Paine was scheduled to be executed himself, but thanks to the efforts of James Madison (who was serving as US minister to France), he was released in 1794. He remained in France until 1802. By invitation of Thomas Jefferson, he returned to the United States and died in 1809 in New York.
Although Thomas Paine was British, to me he was the epitome of an American. To be an American, I think less of where a person was born and more about their state of mind. He was courageous, opinionated, and envisioned what could be, not what was. He also had a positive long-term outlook which I admire. And what an exciting life he led.
Displaced Beachbums 
Identity is a difficult topic lately. Someone once said (Reich?) that “to be American was a goal, an ideal, and that to be French was just a fact”. 🙂
(Wording from memory). Allow me to say that to me, all Americans have an unwritten “contract” with their country: uphold the law, strive for the best and you will be rewarded. (We seem to be lacking such a moral contract in France and Europe) 😉
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Thanks for your comment ~well said. I agree with you about Americans’ unwritten contract (although I fear some, not all, may be lacking in understanding those ideals you listed). The quote you’re thinking of is “To be an American is an ideal, while to be a Frenchman is a fact.” by Carl Friedrich (Political Scientist 1930s).
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Freidrich! Of course! Thank you thank you. (Friedrich, Reich, sounded close) I do agree that on some side, some lack understanding of those ideals, now on ours, I am afraid it is not a fact anymore for a large proportion of the population. And I’m not saying just immigrants. There is a general drive to “destroy” for lack of a better word the essence of France. i am quite worried at the turn of events. And again, I am not focussing on the recent killings. Again, thank you for “giving me Friedrich” back. Take care. Brian
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Well said, Patti. A timely post, for sure. Thanks!
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Thanks Robin. As Thomas Paine said “These are trying times for men’s souls” I’d add, “and women’s”.
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Nice short read! America’s history is very short but you surely had influenced the world with the idea of an independent secular state with equal rights to its citizens. I still feel that it is important to stress out the importance of individual freedom and democracy, especially in a world in which we treat other people badly for their religious and cultural background. I’m glad that all around the world, people are carrying on the message of liberty by caring for those in need.
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How have I missed this as much as I’ve been there?! Where is it located? Nice read!
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Thanks for reading and commenting. and Opps ~ I meant to put the location of the marker. I’ve updated it on the post. It’s at SE corner of S 3rd Street & Chancellor Street (Thomas Paine Place). Thanks for catching that…
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