Liberty Bell
Liberty Bell
Authorizing the Liberty Bell
Therefore, the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the purchase of a new bell. The Assembly authorized Robert Charles, the Assembly’s London agent, to commission the casting of a bell weighing about 2,000 pounds with inscription instructons provided by the Assembly. On November 1, 1751, Mr. Charles comissioned the White Chapel Bell Foundry to cast the bell. The colony paid about $300 for the bell.
In 1732 constructon began on the State House (now called Independence Hall) to house Pennsylvania’s government body—the Pennsylvania Assembly. The bell tower, complete with a bell, was completed in 1751. However, the bell was not audible throughout Philadelphia.
Cracking the Original Bell
The bell arrived in August 1752—ten months after it was commissioned. The assembly members wanted to test the bell before installing it. However, the bell cracked upon being rung because the metal was extremely brittle.
Casting another Bell
John Pass and John Stow, two of Philadelphia’s founders, were commissioned to recast and solidify the bell. They broke down the original bell, added more metals to strengthen it, and recast. The new bell was installed in the State House bell tower in March 1753. However, Philadelphians were displeased with its sound.
Therefore, Pass and Stow recast the bell once again. The new—and third version—of the Old State House Bell was installed in June 1753. The Old State House Bell became known as the Liberty Bell in 1839 by abolitionists.
Ringing the Liberty Bell
The bell rang on various occasions from 1753 to 1841. The bell was rung to summon citizens and Assembly members, make announcements, and celebrate historical events. September 1764 Repeal of the Sugar Act. October 1765 Summon citizens to a public meeting to discuss the Stamp Act. February 1771 Call Assembly together to petition the King for a repeal of tea duties. April 1775 Announce the Battle of Lexington and Concord. July 8, 1776 Announce
Authorizing the Liberty Bell
Therefore, the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the purchase of a new bell. The Assembly authorized Robert Charles, the Assembly’s London agent, to commission the casting of a bell weighing about 2,000 pounds with inscription instructons provided by the Assembly. On November 1, 1751, Mr. Charles comissioned the White Chapel Bell Foundry to cast the bell. The colony paid about $300 for the bell.
In 1732 constructon began on the State House (now called Independence Hall) to house Pennsylvania’s government body—the Pennsylvania Assembly. The bell tower, complete with a bell, was completed in 1751. However, the bell was not audible throughout Philadelphia.
Cracking the Original Bell
The bell arrived in August 1752—ten months after it was commissioned. The assembly members wanted to test the bell before installing it. However, the bell cracked upon being rung because the metal was extremely brittle.
Casting another Bell
John Pass and John Stow, two of Philadelphia’s founders, were commissioned to recast and solidify the bell. They broke down the original bell, added more metals to strengthen it, and recast. The new bell was installed in the State House bell tower in March 1753. However, Philadelphians were displeased with its sound.
Therefore, Pass and Stow recast the bell once again. The new—and third version—of the Old State House Bell was installed in June 1753. The Old State House Bell became known as the Liberty Bell in 1839 by abolitionists.
Ringing the Liberty Bell
The bell rang on various occasions from 1753 to 1841. The bell was rung to summon citizens and Assembly members, make announcements, and celebrate historical events. September 1764 Repeal of the Sugar Act. October 1765 Summon citizens to a public meeting to discuss the Stamp Act. February 1771 Call Assembly together to petition the King for a repeal of tea duties. April 1775 Announce the Battle of Lexington and Concord. July 8, 1776 Announce
References: “FAQs About the Liberty Bell,” Liberty Bell Museum, http://www.libertybellmuseum.com/faqs.htm, March 23,2002. Hershberg, Theodore, “Liberty Bell,” World Book Online Americas Edition, http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wbol/wbPage/na/ar/co/322120, March 23, 2002. “Liberty Bell Timeline,” Liberty Bell Museum, http://www.history.org/libertybell/time.htm, May 18, 2002.