The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Liberty Bell
historic relic in Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia. First hung in Independence Hall in 1753, it bore the inscription, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof” (Lev. 25.10); thus it was fitting that the bell was rung in July, 1776, to proclaim the Declaration of Independence. Taken to Allentown and hidden (1777–78) during the British occupation of Philadelphia, it was later brought back. In 1781 it was moved from the steeple to the hall’s brick tower. It was cracked in 1835 tolling the death of John Marshall and again in 1846. In 1976 the bell was moved to a new pavilion behind Independence Hall.
