Let Freedom Ring: Visiting the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
No visit to the City of Brotherly Love is complete without standing in the presence of one of America’s most iconic symbols of freedom—the Liberty Bell. It’s located across the street from Independence Hall.
A Symbol Born
The bell was originally cast in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House Tower, now known as Independence Hall. It famously cracked during its first ring, so it was melted down and recast in Philadelphia. For nearly 90 years, the bell rang loudly in Philadelphia.
No document exists to say exactly when it cracked the second time. Historians generally accept that a narrow split happened sometime in the 1840s after decades of use. The city decided to repair the bell in 1846 in preparation for George Washington’s birthday.
Believe it or not, the iconic wide crack in the Liberty Bell is actually an attempt to repair it. Repair works widen the narrow crack, an effort to stop it from spreading. If you look carefully, you can see dozens of small drill bit marks in the crack.
The repair attempt failed when another small fissure developed. This second crack silenced the Liberty Bell forever.
While silent, this storied bell represents our nation’s enduring fight for liberty and justice. The crack that remains today is a symbolic flaw that echoes the nation’s imperfect struggle toward equality and freedom.
The Inscription
The inscription on the bell reads, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.” It is taken from Leviticus, in the King James Version of the Bible, about “Jubilee,” God’s instructions for the Israelites to return all land to previous owners, forgive debts, and free slaves every 50 years.
The inscription went unnoticed during the Revolutionary War. However, during the 1800s, abolitionists fighting to end slavery in America latched onto the bell’s message as a rallying cry for their cause. It got its name, “The Liberty Bell”, from an anti-slavery publication in 1835 known as the Anti-Slavery Record.
Although the Liberty Bell no longer rings, you will hear the Centennial Bell in Independence Hall ring out every hour on the hour. It was made in 1876 for our nation’s 100th Birthday and weighs 13,000 pounds, 1000 pounds for each of the original 13 colonies.
Visiting the Liberty Bell
We visit the Liberty Bell every time we come to Philadelphia. The bell is housed in the Liberty Bell Center and is part of Independence National Historical Park. The building offers a self-guided experience where you’ll learn about the bell’s history.
Clearly, the highlight is the chance to view the bell up close. There are no ropes or glass boxes—just a railing and the freedom to take in every detail, from the iconic crack to the inspiring inscription.
A few things to keep in mind. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it gets extremely busy. For the best experience, I recommend getting in line at least half an hour early, especially if you plan on visiting during the weekend.
No reservations are required, and admission is free. However, there is a security screening. Each time we visit, we spend longer than we expected and learn something new.
Standing before the Liberty Bell is a moving experience connecting the past to the present, a reminder that liberty is a living idea that must be protected.
Other Things to Do Nearby
While visiting the Liberty Bell, get reservations to tour Independence Hall. The guided tour is fantastic. Also, remember that Ben Franklin’s grave and printing press are nearby. Christ Church, the worship house of our Founding Fathers, offers tours and even a chance to sit in historic pews. If you have the time, the Philadelphia Mint is also worth visiting.
