As the common saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This rings true for the Liberty Bell, a physical landmark and a symbolic icon of American history. But why do we value a cracked bell that doesn’t ring anymore?
Liberty Bell 101
From the abolition movement to the women’s suffrage movement, the renowned bell located in Philadelphia has empowered generations.
Although the Liberty Bell does not ring anymore, it once rang for historical events ranging from the signing of the Constitution to the deaths of the Founding Fathers.
Today, the bell is tapped 13 times every Fourth of July to represent the patriots from the 13 colonies. Children who are descendants of the original Declaration of Independence signers receive the honor to conduct the annual taps of the bell.
Additionally, the Liberty Bell is lightly rung in observance of Martin Luther King Day each year.
Fun fact: No one who is currently alive has ever heard the bell ring freely. Although the power of computer modeling has been used in attempts to figure out what it once sounded like.
The Perfect Imperfection
When most people look at images or visit the Liberty Bell itself in person, the famous crack is what catches their eyes. However, the crack of the bell is more significant than a physical imperfection.
There is a debate among historians regarding when the bell was initially damaged. However, it stopped ringing permanently due to a large crack on George Washington’s birthday in February of 1846. This was the final time anyone on Earth heard the bell in its full capacity.
Despite its retirement from regular usage, the Liberty Bell was the main attraction of a 1915 road trip. The bell’s final tour around the nation (the first journey was in 1777 to avoid destruction from the British military) served as a symbol of unity across the vast country.
While a cracked bell would usually be thrown out or donated, the Liberty Bell defied the odds and stands proudly today in its permeant home at the Liberty Bell Center.
Have you seen the legendary landmark in person before? If so, let us know by reaching out on one of our social media platforms.
