In a remarkable feat of collaboration and virtual construction, a group of six Minecraft builders has successfully recreated Independence Hall in just two months, matching the original’s 24-year build time from 1732 to 1756.
This endeavor, completed by the Build The Earth group, follows their previous projects that included recreations of Seattle, Raleigh, and various sections of New York City—all to a one-to-one scale within the popular game.
Coinciding with the Fourth of July celebrations, the virtual Independence Hall was unveiled in style, complete with a spectacular in-game fireworks display.
Despite the geographical distances separating them, the builders meticulously ensured that their virtual model is as accurate as possible to the real-life structure. Notably, none of the team members have any connections to Philadelphia or have visited Independence Hall themselves.
Utilizing Google Earth renderings and in-game commands for outline creation, the builders managed to hone in on exceptional accuracy. The attention to detail is remarkable, encompassing not just the architectural facets of Independence Hall but also surrounding structures and even trees, all crafted with impressive precision.
One of the challenges the team faced arose from the heavy tree cover in the area, which made it difficult to visualize where certain buildings should be placed. However, they highlighted that their biggest hurdle was the logistical challenge of working together remotely.
Jacob Sherman, the public relations manager for Build The Earth, explained, “It can be hard to lead a team that’s all around—in different countries and with some international members. The time zone and language gap often present more challenges than the building itself.”
Sherman joined the Build The Earth project in 2020, and he collaborated with fellow public relations team member Colton Criswell on the Independence Hall project. Their friendship blossomed from their initial interaction during the early stages of Build The Earth in 2021.
Founded in March 2020 by YouTuber PippenFTS, Build The Earth aims to recreate the entire planet in Minecraft, matching real-life dimensions and details. Over approximately 130,000 individuals have participated in the myriad building efforts of the initiative, forming an expansive and diverse community.
Communication among builders predominantly occurs via a structured Discord server, organized by region and specific projects. Participants earn their building privileges through organizational events and by showcasing their skills through gameplay, allowing them to gradually progress to more complex builds.
Minecraft, which was released by Mojang in 2011, has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly after the release of “A Minecraft Movie” starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa.
As the Build The Earth community works on Philadelphia’s Center City and City Hall, their pinnacle undertaking remains the recreation of New York City, which is currently estimated to be around 22% complete, according to Sherman.
Beyond entertainment, the project’s educational value cannot be overlooked. Sherman noted collaborations with schools across Israel, Argentina, and Chile, focusing on geodata and mapping skills.
While education serves a purpose, Sherman emphasizes a deeper significance: the opportunity to memorialize lost or forgotten lands.
He cited the example of the Swiss village of Blatten, which was devastated by a landslide in June. In response, Build The Earth builders undertook the task of reconstructing the village virtually, providing residents with a way to reconnect with their former home.
“It’s a way for people who once lived there to see their old hometown as it was,” Sherman stated.
Ultimately, while the project offers educational and memorial benefits, it’s the sense of community that truly captivates participants like Sherman and Criswell.
Sherman expressed his appreciation for the friendships he has cultivated worldwide, remembering a recent trip to Asia where he connected with fellow Build The Earth participants from Brazil, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Criswell echoed this sentiment, saying, “I do this for the community, honestly. There’s so many great people here, and it’s always an awesome time building together. No matter the project, it’s just cool to connect.”
Through unique collaborative efforts, the Build The Earth initiative continues to bridge distances and create lasting virtual landmarks that reflect both cultural heritage and community spirit.
image source from：billypenn
