Philadelphia Travel Guide

From the tower of the Pennsylvania State House, the Liberty Bell summoned colonists to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and for Washington’s 100^th birthday in 1832, along with other specific events.  It is one of the most significant historical symbols of the American Revolution and War.  The bell weighs in at around 2,055 pounds according to the City of Philadelphia.  In October 2003, the bell was moved from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell Center located directly across the street.  Other than the famous crack, there is no other damage to the bell.

Once known as the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall is a U.S. National Landmark.  Construction of the hall began in 1732 and took 21 years to complete.  Within these walls the Declaration of Independence was approved.  Independence Hall was also the original home to the Liberty Bell which is now displayed at the Liberty Bell Center; in its place hangs the Centennial Bell.  The basement of the building once served as the city’s dog pound and to end on a humorous note historians say that Ben Franklin would occasionally trip other delegates from his aisle seat.