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.

North Head Lighthouse on the Washington Coast

The North Head Lighthouse is a historic and picturesque beacon located near Ilwaco, Washington, within Cape Disappointment State Park. Overlooking the rugged Pacific coastline, it stands on a high cliff, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby Columbia River Bar, a treacherous maritime area nicknamed the "Graveyard of the Pacific" due to its history of shipwrecks.

Constructed in 1898, the North Head Lighthouse was built to complement the nearby Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, which could not adequately warn ships approaching from the north. The new lighthouse provided critical guidance to vessels navigating the hazardous waters at the mouth of the Columbia River.

The lighthouse tower itself stands 65 feet tall and is made of brick with a white stucco finish. Inside, a spiral cast-iron staircase leads up to the lantern room, which originally housed a powerful first-order Fresnel lens. Although the original lens has been replaced with a modern beacon, the lighthouse continues to function as an aid to navigation.

Surrounding the lighthouse are historic structures, including the keeper’s quarters, oil houses, and storage buildings, offering a glimpse into the daily life of lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked in isolation to ensure maritime safety.

Today, the North Head Lighthouse is open to the public and has undergone careful restoration. Visitors can climb the tower, enjoy panoramic coastal views, and learn about the region's maritime history. The location is especially popular for photography, whale watching, and experiencing the powerful natural beauty of the Washington coast.

As one of the windiest places in the United States, North Head is not only a working lighthouse but also a symbol of resilience and guidance, standing watch over some of the most dangerous waters in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century.

Inside the North Head Lighthouse in Washington

The North Head Lighthouse, located near Ilwaco in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of coastal keepers and maritime history. Built in 1898, it was designed to aid navigation along the notoriously dangerous waters of the Columbia River Bar, known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific."

Inside the lighthouse, visitors encounter a narrow, winding iron staircase with 69 steps leading up to the lantern room. The interior is simple yet sturdy, reflecting the functional design of late 19th-century lighthouses. The tower’s brick walls and original cast-iron staircase have been preserved and restored to maintain historical accuracy.

The lantern room at the top once housed a first-order Fresnel lens, which projected a powerful beam out to sea. Today, the original lens has been removed, but a modern beacon continues to operate, maintaining the lighthouse’s role in maritime safety.

Adjacent to the lighthouse, the restored keeper’s quarters and other outbuildings illustrate the isolated, disciplined life of lighthouse keepers. The interior of the North Head Lighthouse is not only an architectural gem but also a tribute to those who ensured safe passage through one of America’s most treacherous coastal regions.