Revolutionary · Pennsylvania
Liberty Bell
Shelden Company, Inc.
Why Liberty Bell Matters
The Liberty Bell is one of the most enduring symbols of American independence and freedom. Cast for the Pennsylvania State House — now Independence Hall — it bears the inscription “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof,” words later embraced by Americans seeking liberty for all.
Famous for its jagged crack, the bell became a rallying emblem for abolitionists in the 19th century and, over time, for movements for civil rights and freedom worldwide. Today it draws millions of visitors to Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park.
By the Numbers
The Bell
- Cast
- 1752 (recast 1753)
- Weight
- ~2,080 lbs (943 kg)
- Inscription
- “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land…”
- On display
- Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia
Timeline
- 1752The bell is cast in London for the Pennsylvania State House.
- 1753After cracking, it is recast in Philadelphia by Pass and Stow.
- 1830sAbolitionists adopt the bell and name it the “Liberty Bell.”
- c. 1846The widening crack retires the bell from ringing.
- 2003The Liberty Bell Center opens as the bell's permanent home.
Complete History
The bell was cast in London at the Whitechapel Foundry in 1752 and hung in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House. It cracked on its first test ring in Philadelphia, and was recast twice locally by John Pass and John Stow, who added their names to it.
For decades the bell rang for public occasions in Philadelphia. In the 1830s, abolitionists adopted it as a symbol of their cause and gave it the name “Liberty Bell,” drawing on its biblical inscription from the Book of Leviticus. The bell's association with the Declaration of Independence grew into legend over the 19th century.
The famous crack widened over years of use, and the bell was retired from ringing by the mid-1840s. It later toured the country as a patriotic relic before returning to Philadelphia for good. Since 2003 it has been displayed in the Liberty Bell Center, across from Independence Hall, under the care of the National Park Service.
Historic Images
Interesting Facts
- The Liberty Bell was cast in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall.
- Its inscription reads “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof,” from the Book of Leviticus.
- It cracked on its first test ring and was recast in Philadelphia by John Pass and John Stow.
- Abolitionists in the 1830s adopted the bell as a symbol and gave it its famous name.
- The widening crack led to the bell's retirement from ringing by the mid-1840s.
- It weighs about 2,080 pounds and is displayed at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.
Visiting Today
- Hours
- Open daily; hours vary by season.
- Admission
- Free, no tickets required; all visitors pass through security screening.
- Best time to visit
- Early morning to avoid the longest lines, especially in summer.
- Nearby
- Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the rest of Independence National Historical Park.
See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall together — they sit across the mall from each other and tell one continuous story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Liberty Bell cracked?
It cracked over decades of ringing; the crack widened until the bell was retired from use around the mid-1840s. An earlier crack had also required recasting soon after it arrived.
What does the Liberty Bell say?
“Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof,” a verse from the Book of Leviticus.
Where is the Liberty Bell now?
At the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park, across the street from Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
When was the Liberty Bell made?
It was cast in London in 1752 and recast in Philadelphia in 1753.
Is it free to see the Liberty Bell?
Yes. Admission to the Liberty Bell Center is free; no tickets are required, though visitors pass through security.
