Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom and independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cast in 1752 in Whitechapel, London, the bell was originally commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. It cracked on its first test ring and was recast twice in Philadelphia by local founders John Pass and John Stow. Their names are still inscribed on the bell.

The bell is made of bronze and weighs over 2,000 pounds. It bears the inscription, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof,” taken from the Bible (Leviticus 25:10). While the Liberty Bell is most famously associated with the American Revolution, there is no contemporary evidence it rang on July 4, 1776. It likely rang on July 8, 1776, to summon citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The bell acquired its famous crack sometime in the early 19th century. The exact cause is unknown, though it is believed to have expanded during use and split further when attempts were made to repair it. By the 1840s, abolitionists adopted the bell as a symbol of their movement and gave it the name “Liberty Bell.”

Today, the Liberty Bell is housed at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. It draws millions of visitors each year, who come to reflect on its historical significance and the ideals it represents. Though it no longer rings, the bell remains a powerful symbol of liberty, justice, and resilience for people around the world. Its enduring message continues to inspire generations in their pursuit of freedom and equality.