Let Freedom Ring - The Liberty Bell of Philadelphia, PA

The Liberty Bell of Philadelphia has become irrevocably linked with the American struggle for independence and our success in gaining freedom. While most Americans are familiar with the image of the bell, most are not aware of the real story behind the Liberty Bell. The Bell is certainly a symbol of our independence; however, it is actually much more than that and has contributed mightily to the development of our nation from the first time it rang until modern times.

The bell was first innocuously cast, surprisingly enough, in the East End of London in Whitechapel Foundry. From there the bell was sent to the Pennsylvania State House in 1752. Measuring 12 feet around and containing a 44 pound clapper, the bell was certainly impressive enough for sure size alone.

The first time the bell was used; however, the clapper cracked. Twice, local artisans attempted to recast the bell and even added more materials but the end results were never satisfactory. Eventually the bell was placed in the Pennsylvania State House tower, crack and all.

For the most part, the bell was used to call the Pennsylvania Assembly to order between the years 1753 and 1777. The bell tower began to rot and in fear that ringing the bell would cause the tower to fall, use of it was eventually ceased.

The bell was temporarily moved from Philadelphia to Allentown in the fall of 1777 to prevent advancing British forces from taking it. It was returned the following summer. Over the next half century numerous attempts were made to repair the bell; however, they were all unsuccessful and officials decided it would be best to not use the bell.

The bell was not actually referred to as the 'Liberty Bell' for the first time until the Anti-Slavery movement gained precedence in the 1830s; at which time abolitionists began to use it as a symbol. Prior to that time, it had been referred to as the State House bell.

The symbolic association of the bell continued to strengthen following the Civil War and before long the bell was frequently transported all over the country on various patriotic expeditions. Covering dozens of stops per year, the road show of the bell continued until 1915, at which time it was placed in Independence Hall where it would reside for the next 60 years.

In 1976, amidst concern that the mounds of visitors certain to descend upon the Hall for the country's bicentennial would damage the bell, a glassed-in pavilion was constructed across the street.

On New Year's Day of 1976 the bell was moved to its new home. It remained in that location until another; larger center was constructed for it in 2003.

Debate still exists over whether the bell was actually used to call people to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence, considering the damage which existed to the bell even at that early date; however, one thing remains certain. From the time the bell was arrived on American shores until present day, the Liberty Bell has served as a symbol of our fierce independence and freedom.