The Final Walk to Independence Hall: 250Ride.org Completes Caesar Rodney’s Historic Journey

Caesar Rodney (Ciro Poppiti III), flanked by Jacob Broom (Hugo A. Immediato Jr.) on the left and Thomas Rodney (Primus Poppiti) on the right, during the final walk to Independence Hall.

As the sun began to lower over South Philadelphia on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the final chapter of the 250Ride.org Living History Reenactment was about to unfold.

After traveling more than 80 miles over two days from Dover, Delaware, the reenactment arrived at Old Yankee, Inc. (Old Yankee Terminal) at approximately 6:00 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of Old Yankee, Inc., the Delaware Italian American Foundation was able to securely park its support vehicles and stage the carriage behind locked gates before the reenactors set out on the final 4.7-mile walk to Independence Hall.

The Philadelphia skyline comes into view during the final stretch of the journey.

Because of road restrictions related to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Fourth of July events throughout Philadelphia, the carriage could travel no farther. Rather than allowing those challenges to stand in the way, the reenactment embraced them, transforming the final leg of the journey into one of its most memorable moments.

Rather than viewing the unexpected change as a setback, Founder Ciro Poppiti embraced the opportunity to experience the journey in a way that brought him even closer to Caesar Rodney's historic ride.

Silhouetted against the Philadelphia skyline, Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and Thomas Rodney make their way toward Independence Hall.

“With all of the guests in Philadelphia from around the world for the 250th, for the World Cup, security is at a premium,” said Poppiti while portraying Caesar Rodney moments before the walk. “I've had to leave my carriage here on the outskirts of downtown and, like Caesar Rodney, I've got to cross over the Schuylkill River—but I have to do it by foot. The rest of the journey, about five miles, is by foot. You can say, ‘What a shame.’ Not a shame. The whole time I'm going to be thinking about those last hours of Caesar Rodney riding to Philadelphia, knowing he could be riding toward the gallows, while also knowing he's doing the right thing—for himself and for a new nationality... a new nationality we call America.”

Poppiti, portraying Caesar Rodney, stepped from the carriage alongside his brother, Primus Poppiti, portraying Thomas Rodney, and Hugo A. Immediato Jr., portraying Jacob Broom. Together, they began the historic walk north along Passyunk Avenue, retracing the final miles toward Independence Hall, while members of the 250Ride.org production team followed in support vehicles, capturing every step of the emotional final stretch and documenting the journey through one of Philadelphia's most recognizable neighborhoods.

A behind-the-scenes look as the 250Ride.org production crew captures a final interview with Caesar Rodney before the walk to Independence Hall.

Standing outside Old Yankee, Inc., moments before beginning the final walk, Poppiti reflected on the route Caesar Rodney himself would have traveled during those final hours.

“Caesar Rodney would have gone up a mile or so to Gray's Ferry. Gray's Ferry was a hub, it had a hotel, a restaurant, and a ferry crossing. Folks know the Gray's Ferry neighborhood on the outskirts of Philadelphia today, but that's where Caesar Rodney would have crossed the Schuylkill River by ferry. Can you imagine the anxiety? I've got to get there in time.”

Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and Thomas Rodney continue down Passyunk Avenue on their way to Independence Hall.

A Walk Through South Philadelphia

For nearly two hours, the reenactors made their way along Passyunk Avenue, passing neighborhood restaurants, local businesses, colorful streets, and countless residents who stopped to watch history pass by. Many spectators paused to ask questions, snap photographs, or simply applaud as Caesar Rodney and his fellow reenactors continued toward Independence Hall.

The modern streets of Philadelphia became an open-air stage where past and present intersected. Every conversation with a passerby became another opportunity to share the remarkable story of Caesar Rodney's ride and the people whose sacrifices helped shape the birth of a nation.

“One of my favorite parts of living history is seeing curiosity turn into conversation,” said Primus Poppiti. “People would stop us because of our clothing, but they stayed because of the story. That's exactly why we do this.”

The journey passes Geno’s Steaks as the men continue toward Independence Hall — a familiar stop they would return to later that evening to celebrate the completion of the ride.

As the walk continued, the reenactors passed one of Philadelphia's most recognizable landmarks, Geno's Steaks. Following the conclusion of the reenactment, the entire 250Ride.org team returned there to celebrate together with the Geno's family over a well-earned meal. (Read more about that memorable visit in our separate Geno's Steaks feature.)

The three men continue along Passyunk Avenue, drawing the attention of onlookers outside the neighborhood’s popular restaurants as they make their way toward Independence Hall.

Every Step Closer

With each passing block, anticipation continued to build. What had begun two days earlier at Christ Church in Dover had grown into a statewide journey across Delaware and into Pennsylvania, connecting communities through living history while honoring Caesar Rodney's legendary ride and the many people whose stories deserve to be remembered.

Now, only a few blocks remained. The weight of the moment was impossible to ignore.

Just blocks from their destination, Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and Thomas Rodney approach the final stretch of their journey to Independence Hall.

“By that point, none of us were thinking about how many miles we had walked,” reflected Hugo A. Immediato Jr. “We were thinking about what those miles represented. This wasn't just about arriving at Independence Hall. It was about honoring the determination, sacrifice, and perseverance that helped shape our country's history.”

The closer the reenactors came to Independence Hall, the more supporters joined them, recognizing that they were witnessing the conclusion of something truly special.

Caesar Rodney raises his fist in celebration alongside Jacob Broom and Thomas Rodney upon reaching Independence Hall, marking the completion of their historic journey. Photo by Delaware Online.

Arrival at Independence Hall

At approximately 8:15 p.m., Caesar Rodney and the reenactors entered Philadelphia's historic district and completed the final steps of the journey at Independence Hall, where family members, supporters, volunteers, and members of the 250Ride.org team who had dedicated countless hours to bringing the project to life were waiting to welcome them.

Cheers, applause, hugs, and handshakes filled the evening air as the two-day reenactment officially came to an end. Delaware LIVE News, which documented the reenactment throughout both days, captured the emotional arrival and conducted a final interview with Ciro Poppiti following the completion of the journey. Delaware Online was also on hand to photograph the arrival after covering the final walk through Philadelphia.

Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and Thomas Rodney are joined by family, 250Ride.org staff, and members of the Delaware Italian American Foundation for a group photo in front of Independence Hall, celebrating the completion of the journey.

Together, the reenactors, volunteers, and production team gathered for celebratory photographs in front of Independence Hall, a fitting backdrop for the conclusion of a project years in the making.

More Than a Destination

The arrival at Independence Hall marked the end of more than an 80-mile journey. It represented over a year of planning, months of preparation, and the dedication of dozens of volunteers, horsemen, reenactors, public officials, partners, historians, first responders, media partners, and community supporters who worked together to bring one of Delaware's most important stories back to life.

A memorable moment from Day Two as the carriage passes a 250Ride.org supporter proudly waving a Revolutionary-era American flag — a shared celebration of country, history, and the journey to Philadelphia.

From Christ Church in Dover to the streets of Philadelphia, the 250Ride.org Living History Reenactment connected thousands of people with the story of Caesar Rodney's famous ride while also highlighting the broader history surrounding America's founding. Along the way, the reenactment crossed state lines, brought living history directly into communities, sparked countless conversations, and inspired people of all ages to learn more about the events that shaped our nation.

Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and Thomas Rodney wave to onlookers and passing motorists offering friendly horns of support as the three continue their journey toward Independence Hall.

As the team departed Independence Hall for a celebratory dinner at Geno's Steaks, there was a shared sense of accomplishment among everyone involved. The reenactment had covered more than 80 miles, but perhaps its greatest achievement was the connections it created between history and the people who experienced it firsthand.

The final walk along Passyunk Avenue was never part of the original plan. Yet, in many ways, it became the perfect ending. By walking the final miles together, the reenactors experienced a small glimpse of the uncertainty, determination, and sacrifice that defined Caesar Rodney's legendary journey.

Sometimes, the last few miles become the ones that everyone remembers.

FULL PHOTO ALBUM COMING SOON TO 250RIDE.ORG