is home to one of America’s most iconic symbols of freedom and courage: the world-famous Liberty Bell at Independence Hall. This is one of the most widely-recognized historical artifacts in our country, and you can see it right here in Philly!

It’s surprising how many of our Philadelphia Limo Services customers are Philly locals who have never taken the opportunity to visit this historical site, even though they’ve “always meant to but never found the time.” We get it – everybody’s busy these days. But in the spirit of “stop and smell the roses” we encourage locals and visitors alike to ‘stop and see the Liberty Bell… up close.’… it really is a momentous experience.

The Liberty Bell at Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell is certainly one of the most celebrated symbols of our nation’s history. It arrived in Philadelphia in August 1752. On July 8, 1776, the bell was rung to celebrate the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This monumental artifact was given its current name in the 1830s by abolitionists fighting to end slavery, representing the power of liberty and the passion of our country’s ideals.

Here are some facts about this great American landmark…

• Caster: Whitechapel Bell Foundry
• Cast date: 1752 (Recast 1753 by Pass and Stow)
• Weight: 2,080 lb (900 kg)
• Height: 3 ft (.91 m) from lip to crown
• Circumference: 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Materials: copper and tin, with small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and silver
• Display: Housed in a magnificent glass chamber, suspended from what is believed to be its original American elm yoke
• Inscription:

PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF LEV. XXV. V X.

BY ORDER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENSYLVANIA FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILADA

PASS AND STOW

PHILADA

MDCCLIII[105]

How did the Liberty Bell get cracked?

Some of the more popular theories include:

• it was cracked in 1824, during the visit of the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette
• it fractured later that year while tolling to signal a fire
• it cracked during the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835

The fact is that to date, no one knows exactly how the crack occurred in the Liberty Bell, though the consensus is that the bell was definitely damaged by 1846, when city records indicate that Philadelphia’s mayor requested that the bell be rung on George Washington’s birthday. An existing fracture in the bell was repaired for this occasion, and at first the bell reportedly tolled loud and clear, but ultimately it cracked beyond repair and had to be taken out of service.

There are so many fascinating tales and exciting history behind the iconic Liberty Bell, it’s well worth taking some time to explore The Liberty Bell Center and get familiar with this relic from our nation’s past. The Liberty Bell building is open year-round, and tickets are not required for visitors, so stop by anytime!

Tours at Independence Hall are free of charge, every day from March 1st through December 31st, though visitors must reserve in advance to secure a free dated tour ticket to eliminate long lines and waiting periods, (tickets are not required on July 4th, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving).

To reserve tickets for groups and individuals for up to one year in advance, call toll free at: 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 10 PM ET, or visit the National Park Reservation system website. Tickets can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center.

As one can imagine, an entire day can be spent immersed in the historical magnificence of The Liberty Bell Center. Why not seize an opportunity to step away from the everyday and let yourself experience significance of this legendary symbol of American freedom… at least once in a lifetime?

Transportation to the Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia

Having provided ground transportation services in the Philadelphia area for more than 20 years, Philadelphia Limo Services has enjoyed the enthusiasm of our visitors and Philadelphia residents who visit The Liberty Bell Center. We have great appreciation not only for the opportunity to do so, but for being a part of such a historically relevant city.

We are very familiar with all the traffic patterns and most reliable routes for traveling to our city’s various monuments, and we invite visitors to consider our car or limousine services when touring any of these historic sites. Even if you don’t have any immediate plans for touring Philadelphia, you can get an easy online rate quote with no obligation whatsoever… just to get an idea of how affordable it can be to enjoy the history of this great city – without having to drive through it.

Get your hassle-free rate quote right here…

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Celebrate America’s freedom right here in Philadelphia — a city you’ll never forget!