The Liberty Bell: An Icon of the American Independence
Explore the surprising history and enduring legacy of Philadelphia's symbol of freedom
The Liberty Bell by NPS Independence National Historical Park, National Park Service
Humble beginnings
The Liberty Bell is a 2,080-pound bronze bell residing in Philadelphia, famously known as a worldwide synonym of freedom. However, before it was a global icon, it was simply the State House bell—a practical communications device hung in 1753 to call Pennsylvania lawmakers and townspeople together.
The Liberty Bell Independence National Historical Park, National Park Service
Did you know there is absolutely no evidence that it ever rang on July 4, 1776? Even more surprising, that wide fissure, so recognizable, running down its face is actually the result of a failed repair job. Let's explore the history of the Liberty Bell and how it became a national emblem.
From flawed start to landmark
The bell’s creation was far from perfect. Ordered from London in 1751, the original bell cracked on its very first test ring. Two local Philadelphia metalworkers, John Pass and John Stow, stepped in to melt it down and recast the 70% copper and 25% tin instrument we see today.
It faithfully rang for nearly 90 years before developing a narrow split. In 1846, city workers attempted a "stop drilling" technique to widen the crack and restore its tone for George Washington's birthday.
The Liberty Bell Independence National Historical Park, National Park Service
If you look closely, you can still see over 40 drill marks inside the gap. The repair failed, creating a second fissure that silenced the bell forever.
Liberty Bell (1753) Original Source: http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/revwar/image_gal/indeimg/liberty.html
The verse that changed everything
The secret of the bell's success lies quietly on its crown. Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly Isaac Norris selected a Bible verse to circle the top: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof". But this powerful message went entirely unnoticed.
The Liberty Bell by NPS Independence National Historical Park, National Park Service
In 1830s the bell found its true calling: abolitionists, fighting to end slavery in America, were deeply inspired by the inscription. In 1835, an abolitionist publication called The Anti-Slavery Record was the very first to officially name it the "Liberty Bell," giving it a profound new purpose.
A symbol on the move
After the Civil War, the Liberty Bell became a powerful tool for national healing. Between 1885 and 1915, it traveled extensively by rail to expositions across the country, allowing millions of citizens to connect with their nation's history.
Its inclusive message even inspired women's suffrage advocates, who forged a replica "Justice Bell" in 1915 to champion voting rights. Today, its traveling days are finally over.
The Liberty Bell by NPS Independence National Historical Park, National Park Service
Since 2003, it has rested in the state-of-the-art Liberty Bell Center. Displayed directly across the street from Independence Hall where its journey began, it welcomes over a million visitors a year, continuing to proclaim its timeless message to the world.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.
