Located in the United States, in the city of Philadelphia, stands one of the most important buildings in American history: Independence Hall. It also houses one of the most famous symbols of American freedom: the Liberty Bell. In 1979, Independence Hall joined the World Heritage Sites list, run by UNESCO.
History of Independence Hall
Built in 1753, Independence Hall was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House. Independence Hall has seen some of the most important documents in American history. It was there that many historic, well-known men signed the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later in 1787, it would also see the Constitution of the United States.
Independence Hall Tours
Visitors and tourists can take tours of Independence Hall. Each tour takes approximately one and a half hours, beginning in Independence Square. Each tour requires tickets, however tickets are free of charge. Only a limited amount of tickets are available to the public on a daily basis. Guests wishing to reserve tickets in advance can do so with a $1.50 reserve fee.
The hall is open year-round but hours of operation can vary during the seasons. From March 1st to December 1st, a ticket is always required for a tour of Independence Hall.
History of the Liberty Bell
The original Liberty Bell came from London, England but cracked shortly after arrival in Philadelphia. Soon thereafter in 1753, a couple of local craftsmen made a second Bell using the metal from the first Bell. The Bell weighs in at nearly two thousand pounds and is comprised of 25% tin, 70% copper as well as tiny amounts of silver, gold, lead, arsenic and zinc.
The word “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout the Land unto the inhabitants thereof,” were inscribed into the bell. However, it would not become known as the Liberty Bell for several years to come.
During the 1830s, a group of people seeking to outlaw slavery. This same group of abolitionists recalled the famous words on the bell and began using the bell as the group’s symbol. They referred to it as the Liberty Bell. Needless to say, the name has stuck throughout the years.
Today, the Liberty Bell can still be seen at Liberty Bell Center.
Liberty Bell Tours and the Liberty Bell Center
While Independence Hall is the original home of the famous, twice cracked Liberty Bell, a reproduction of the bell hangs in the famous steeple. The Liberty Bell Center is located between Fifth Street and Sixth Street, on Market Avenue in Philadelphia. No tickets are required to view the Liberty Bell and it is open for viewing year-round.
In America, these are a few of the monuments that represent a history like no other. Today, it goes without saying that “all men are created equal.”
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