Liberty Bell – is the main symbol of American history of struggle for independence from Britain. The Bell summoned citizens of Philadelphia to the reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in 1776.
The bell weighs about 2080 pounds (943 kg) in a circle 3.7 m and 1 m in height. It is made of copper alloy (70%) and tin (25%).
Inscription on the Liberty Bell
The inscription on the bell reads: “And proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof” (The Bible, Leviticus 25.10, Eng. Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof). Officially, the bell was called the “Liberty Bell” from 1837, when it became a symbol of the abolitionists movement.
A crack appeared on the bell in 1846, after it was rung for a few hours in George Washington’s birthday.
Independence Hall
In 1976 on the eve of the two hundred anniversary of Independence, the bell was finally removed from its permanent place on the tower of Independence Hall, and is currently in a specially built pavilion near the Hall. The location of this pavilion has caused some doubts about some part of American society, as is directly adjacent to the historic quarter of that in the 90s of the 18th century housed the slaves of George Washington, who lived then in Philadelphia.
Now the pavilion with a bell and Independence Hall are part of the U.S. National Historical Park.
The bell is still being rung (very carefully) on Independence Day.