History has so many fascinating tales, giving us a glimpse into people, places, and landmarks we may never have known otherwise. One of the many iconic landmarks in the United States, the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania is perhaps the most recognized in the state. As a symbol of freedom in the U.S., the Liberty Bell is probably just as well-known for the crack that runs down it. However, how that crack came about may not be as well-known.
The story of the Liberty Bell began in 1751 when Pennsylvania’s colonial government contracted London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry to create a bell for what would later become Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Perhaps just as historic as the Liberty Bell, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry permanently closed its doors in 2017 after 447 years in business.
Cast for just £100, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia in August 1752. During the first strike of the bell, it cracked.
The inscription on the Liberty Bell reads "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof."
The bell, which wasn't christened the Liberty Bell until the 1830s, had to be recast twice before it was finally sturdy enough to strike. From then on, it rang to summon Philadelphians to hear the latest news and to announce the start of politicians' meetings.
For some time, the symbol of freedom stayed hidden in a church to protect it from British troops who had invaded Philadelphia during the American Revolution.
The bell rang publicly for the final time in honor of George Washington’s birthday in 1846.
Today, the Liberty Bell remains a popular tourist spot in Philadelphia. Protected in a glass chamber in front of Independence Hall, the symbol of freedom draws millions of visitors each year.
All guests must pass through a screening area at the Liberty Bell Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The center features educational exhibits that tell the story of the Liberty Bell.
The famous landmark is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals.
Learn more about the Liberty Bell and listen to a recording of what it is believed to have sounded like on the National Park Service website.
Did you know the story behind the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a history buff with an interest in the paranormal, plan a visit to this haunted fort in Pennsylvania.
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