Liberty Bell Replicas

According to the Christoph Paccard Bell Foundry:

The Liberty Bell was first cast by the Bell Foundry, in London, in 1752. The Liberty Bell was twice recast in Philadelphia by John Pass and John Stow in 1753 after it cracked.

In 1950, Paccard cast 55 full size liberty bell replicas. These bells can be seen today on the capital grounds of each state and at federal offices.

The words on the Liberty Bell are, "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof", and from the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus, chapter 25, verse 10.

The Liberty Bell today is an internationally recognized icon for freedom, but that has not always been so. The bell was ordered for the Pennsylvania State House (today known as Independence Hall) in 1752, just after the 50th anniversary of William Penn's Charter of Privileges, Pennsylvania's liberal colonial constitution.

Except for short periods, such as when it was hidden away during the Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell spent its first 222 years in that famous building, ringing for routine meetings, special gatherings, and ceremonial occasions. Later, anti-slavery groups adopted it as a symbol of their cause and coined its name, The Liberty Bell, in the early 19th century. After the Civil War, the Liberty Bell in an effort to reunite the nation, traveled across the country. Since then, many groups have used it as a symbol of their struggles for liberty and equality.

The bell weighs about 2080 pounds. The real Liberty Bell is made up of ~ 70% copper, 25% tin, and small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver. It hangs from what is believed to be its original yoke, made from American elm, also known as slippery elm.

Its message of liberty and freedom reaches people all over the world, even though the Liberty Bell no longer rings.

Click on thumbnails to see larger images.

Phoenix, Arizona
In Phoenix, on east side of State Capitol building, on west side of 17th Ave between W Adams St and W Jefferson St.
33°26'53.3"N 112°05'47.6"W
photos taken 10/1/2013
  

Dedicated to you, a free citizen in a free land. This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Arizona by direction of the Honorable John W. Synder, Secretary of the Treasury. As the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds independence drive from May 15 to July 4, 1950, it was displayed in every part of this state. The dimensions and tone are identical with those of the original Liberty Bell when it rang out our independence in 1776. In standing before this symbol, you have the opportunity to dedicate yourself, as did our founding fathers, to the principles of the individual freedom for which our nation stands. This bell is one of fifty-three cast in France in 1950, and given to the United States government by: American Smelting and Refining Company, Miami Copper Company, Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Phelps Dodge Corporation, Kennecott Copper Corporation, The American Metal Company, Limited. Steel supports by U. S. Steel Corporation's American Bridge Company. This plaque donated by Revere Copper and Brass Incorporated.

Lincoln, Nebraska
In Lincoln, in Antelope Park, on southwest side of Normal Blvd between A St and South St.
40°47'47.2"N 96°40'30.8"W
photos taken 4/27/2021
     

Dedicated to you, a free citizen in a free land. This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Nebraska by direction of the Honorable John W. Synder, Secretary of the Treasury. As the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds independence drive from May 15 to July 4, 1950, it was displayed in every part of this state. The dimensions and tone are identical with those of the original Liberty Bell when it rang out our independence in 1776. In standing before this symbol, you have the opportunity to dedicate yourself, as did our founding fathers, to the principles of the individual freedom for which our nation stands. This bell is one of fifty-three cast in France in 1950, and given to the United States government by: American Smelting and Refining Company, Miami Copper Company, Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Phelps Dodge Corporation, Kennecott Copper Corporation, The American Metal Company, Limited. Steel supports by U. S. Steel Corporation's American Bridge Company. This plaque donated by Revere Copper and Brass Incorporated.

Nashville, Tennessee
In Nashville, on the east side of the State Capitol, and northwest of the intersection of Charlotte Ave and 6th Ave N.
36°09'56.9"N 86°47'00.4"W
photo taken 1/13/2024, by Angie Wallace

Cheyenne, Wyoming
In Cheyenne, on southwest side of State Capitol building, on northeast corner of W 24th St and Carey Ave.
41°08'22.5"N 104°49' 15.5"W
photos taken 3/3/2012
        

Dedicated to you, a free citizen in a free land. This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Wyoming by direction of the Honorable John W. Synder, Secretary of the Treasury. As the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds independence drive from May 15 to July 4, 1950, it was displayed in every part of this state. The dimensions and tone are identical with those of the original Liberty Bell when it rang out our independence in 1776. In standing before this symbol, you have the opportunity to dedicate yourself, as did our founding fathers, to the principles of the individual freedom for which our nation stands. This bell is one of fifty-three cast in France in 1950, and given to the United States government by: American Smelting and Refining Company, Miami Copper Company, Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Phelps Dodge Corporation, Kennecott Copper Corporation, The American Metal Company, Limited. Steel supports by U. S. Steel Corporation's American Bridge Company. This plaque donated by Revere Copper and Brass Incorporated.

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Last modified: January 22, 2024