Liberty Bell Facts

The Liberty Bell Was Not Always Known by Its Current Name

Believe it or not, the Liberty Bell wasn’t initially called the Liberty Bell at all. When it was first cast in 1751, it was known as the “State House Bell,” named after the Pennsylvania State House, which we now know as Independence Hall. The bell only got its famous name from an 1839 poem in an abolitionist pamphlet!

The Liberty Bell Has A Twin

The original Liberty Bell was cast in London, England by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. However, the bell cracked upon its first ringing after arrival in Philadelphia. Local craftsmen John Pass and John Stow were given the task of recasting the bell. They melted down the original bell and cast a new one in 1753. So, you can say the Liberty Bell has a twin!

The Famous Crack Appeared Much Later

The bell cracked again! But the famous wide crack that we see today wasn’t the reason why the bell was taken out of service. This wide crack was actually a repair attempt. The last fateful strike of the bell happened on George Washington’s Birthday in 1846. The small crack had expanded to an alarming extent, so the bell was silenced forever to prevent further damage.

What Does the Inscription Mean

The Liberty Bell carries an inscription that says: “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof.” This inspiring phrase is from the Bible, Leviticus 25:10, symbolizing freedom.

The Liberty Bell Was Hidden During the Revolutionary War

During the American Revolutionary War, in 1777, the Liberty Bell was hidden in the floorboards of the Zion Reformed Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Why? To protect it from being melted down by the British, who might have used the metal for cannons!

The Liberty Bell’s Home

After the Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell returned to Philadelphia and stayed on the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House. However, it was moved to a glass pavilion on the same property in 1976. Since 2003, it’s been housed in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park.

The Liberty Bell Has Travelled Across the Country

Did you know the Liberty Bell was once a traveling bell? From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the bell journeyed to various cities for exhibitions and patriotic events, reminding Americans of their freedom. However, after a cross-country trip in 1915, it was decided that the bell would no longer travel due to wear and concerns about its safety.

The Bell’s Weight and Size

This historic bell is no small artifact! The Liberty Bell weighs a whopping 2,080 pounds, which is about the weight of a small car. Its circumference around the lip is 12 feet, and it’s over 3 feet tall from lip to crown.

The Liberty Bell and the Cold War

During the Cold War, the Liberty Bell was seen as a symbol of freedom against the Communist threat. It featured on a stamp issued by the U.S. Post Office in 1950 with the words, “Secure Liberty.” The bell still represents the enduring values of liberty and freedom.

The Liberty Bell’s Note

Although the Liberty Bell hasn’t been rung for over a century, experts believe that if it could ring, it would sound the note of E flat. It’s a shame we can’t hear it today!

It Is a Symbol of Freedom for All

Over the years, the Liberty Bell has become a symbol not just for Americans, but for freedom-seeking people worldwide. It has inspired many movements and has been replicated in various places around the globe.

Final Word

And that concludes our fascinating journey through the life of the Liberty Bell! This iconic piece of American history reminds us of the struggles and triumphs that led to the birth of a nation. So next time you hear about the Liberty Bell, you’ll know more about the stories this remarkable bell silently tells. Remember, history isn’t just about dates and events; it’s about understanding our past to create a better future!