Liberty Bell Facts: 5 Lesser-Known Truths Behind America’s Iconic Symbol of Independence The Liberty Bell, which is a historic American symbol, was cast in 1751 and has been a beacon of The Liberty Bell Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon. July 8th is Liberty Bell Day, celebrating the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. While Americans tend to overlook July 8th in favor of July 4th, Americans during the Founding Era would have done just the opposite. The inscription of liberty on the State House bell (now known as the Liberty Bell) went unnoticed during the Revolutionary War. After the war, abolitionists seeking to end slavery in America were inspired by the bell's message. The Liberty Bell didn’t ring on July 4th, 1776. The famous story of the Liberty Bell ringing to announce independence is a myth—the bell was actually cracked and couldn’t ring at that time. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as America’s national bird. The Liberty Bell rings 13 times on each Independence Day to represent the original 13 colonies of the United States. This tradition commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. When the Bell Actually Rang for Independence Many people think the Liberty Bell rang on July 4, 1776, but that’s not true. The bell actually rang four days later, on July 8, when Colonel John Nixon first read the Declaration of Independence to the public. The bell played an important role during the American Revolution. It rang to announce the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, and it 2. The Liberty Bell didn’t ring The iconic Liberty Bell is often associated with the day, but it didn’t ring on July 4, 1776. It rang four days later when the Declaration was read aloud in See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Rocky Steps, and more. Plus quirky fun and great food (we found a perfect cheesesteak!)—all in one day in Philadelphia. Independence Hall is located at 520 Chestnut Street. Entry to Independence Hall and the West Wing can be found on 5th Street, between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street. Both attractions are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). From 9 to 9:50 a.m., non-ticketed self-guided tours of Independence Hall are available on a first-come, first The Liberty Bell is one of the most enduring symbols of American independence and freedom. While there is no definitive historical proof, tradition holds that the bell rang on July 8, 1776, to mark the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell shines as one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of freedom, offering continuous inspiration for believers in civil rights. At the Liberty Bell Center, visitors get an up-close-and-personal experience, where they can enjoy a 360-degree view of the iconic relic. On July 8, 1776, popular legend says the Liberty Bell rang to symbolize America’s independence from Great Britain. But many “facts” about the Bell, such as its 1776 ringing, are shrouded in mystery. At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 1976, amid a driving rainstorm, thousands of wet onlookers braved the freezing rain to watch the Liberty Bell move from Independence Hall to the brand-new Liberty Bell Pavillion. The Liberty Bell is one of history's most famous symbols of freedom and justice. Read about bell's creation, the crack and its adoption by the abolitionist movement as a symbol in their campaign to end the injustice of slavery Liberty Bell, large bell, a traditional symbol of U.S. freedom, commissioned in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly to hang in the new State House (renamed Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. Question: How many times does the Liberty Bell ring on each Independence Day? Answer: 13 times 6. Question: What is the location of the nation’s oldest 4th of July parade? Answer: Bristol, Rhode The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most enduring myths about the Liberty Bell is that it rang on July 4, 1776, to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This tale, popularized in the 19th century, is almost certainly false. Historical records show no evidence of the bell ringing on that day. July 8, 1776: The Liberty Bell rang out in Philadelphia, symbolizing the announcement of the Declaration of Independence. The bell’s toll served as a powerful signal to the city’s residents, gathering them to hear the historic document being read aloud. This event marked a significant moment in American history, signifying the formal break from British rule and the birth of a new nation
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |